Shifting Gears Keith Martin
One Fine Day
the 2000 Boxster S. SCM Legal
Analyst John Draneas and wife
Carlyn fired up their Lotus Elise
(or would have had it actually
started; more about that later), and
CM Contributor Michael Pierce
and his significant other Linda
unleashed their 5-speed Dinantuned
1988 BMW 7-series.
Our goal was a boutique wine-
S
making facility, the Carlton Wine
Studio, in Carlton Oregon—in
the heart of Oregon's Pinot Noir
country, about 40 miles from
SCM world headquarters.
While the supposed intent of the trip was to taste wine, in fact we
New car, same old tricks
all were suffering from sports car cabin fever, and this provided a convenient
excuse to exercise our cars. Wendie and I had good friends Rolf
and Tamera Agather joining us from Lake Tapps, Washington, near
Seattle—the Boxster was an invigorating change from the Suburban they
had driven down in.
I drove the Alfa the whole day, and it was both better and worse than
I remembered from the fall. I'm a stickler for making things work, but as
I drive the Alfa so infrequently during the winter, when small things go
awry, I tend to ignore them. Then when I revisit the car, there is generally
one more thing that needs attention than there was the last time I was in it.
All of the items are niggling, but in total they make me a little crazy.
The day/night switch on the rearview mirror has been broken since July,
so the mirror flips back and forth, creating a kinescopic view of the world
behind me. The front disc brakes have been spongy for months, requiring
a very un-Alfalike mashing of the pedal to get the car stopped.
Somewhere along the way I lost the cigarette lighter, so now I've got
an empty socket in the dash reminding me, constantly, of my slothfulness.
The black plastic knob has fallen off the passenger-side window winder;
it, along with the metal backing, are somewhere under the seat, along with
the cigarette lighter, I hope. But window winding is now a chore.
The convertible top has never fit right, and now it seems to be worse:
I can see daylight between the front lip of the top and the windshield
frame. And there is an annoying buzzing vibration through the throttle
linkage under deceleration. Conrad Stevenson, who put this car together
for me, told me that disconnecting the (unneeded) choke and fast-idle
cables generally cures this, but not on my car.
Of course, cold air still rushes into the car from the misaligned front
door, and the seats need to be restuffed. Your bottom is really resting
directly on the floorboard of the car, which offers about as much comfort
as a racing bicycle seat. Do I sound like a whiner yet?
What's right with this picture?
On the plus side, the freshly rebuilt engine now has about 2,000 miles
on it, so it pulls strongly to redline and beyond. The gearbox is slick,
and the substitution of a later, 105-series shift lever has removed the
vibration that plagues the earlier, two-piece 101-series levers. Local guru
Dave Rugh contributed a set of street/competition springs, lowering the
car slightly and giving it much better grip through the turns, without
compromising the essential nature of the car the way that bigger sway
bars can.
So as we went out State Highway 240, through the high-speed turns,
the driveline and suspension of the Alfa delivered far beyond what you
8
ometimes you just need a
break. So last Saturday, we
pulled out the 1965 Alfa
Giulia Spider Veloce and
might expect from any 43-year-old
car. Each time I get in the car, I
am reminded just how reflective of
1960s automotive history it is, yet
it still works as a car today, hustling
down the freeway at 80 mph, with
some warmth and weather protection
and a trunk big enough for two cases
of wine. Its exhaust note reminds me
of every Alfa I've ever driven, from
1968 to the present.
The Boxster S now has 82,000
miles on it; we've put 7,000 miles on
during the last few months. It continues
to need nothing. A tribute to how
well built cars are today, it drinks no
oil, sips just a modicum of gas, and
with heated seats, an iPod adapter
for the stereo, a power top, and cruise control, it's almost a luxury cruiser.
By sports car standards, anyhow.
I continue to marvel each time I see a Lotus Elise. After all the years
of unreliable, overpriced, origami-styled cars, Lotus got it exactly right
with the Elise. Light, fast, and affordable, as well as being striking in
appearance, Draneas's car is nearly the perfect pocket rocket. Nearly
perfect, in that for some reason his car seems to enjoy refusing to start.
Last summer, at the Sunriver Festival of Cars, his Elise also had a
starting problem, but that was because the battery in his remote had gone
dead. And if the remote isn't functional, you can't disable the alarm or
enable engine starting. Good thinking, Lotus. This time, the remote was
fine, but when the start button was pushed, the engine made a clackclack-clack
sound like a crow smacking its beak. Push-starting it became
our group calisthenic for the day. There will always be a strand of Lucas
buried in the DNA of Lotus.
I don't have much to say about Pierce's thundering BMW, except to
say that it was nice to see a right-sized 7-series, with no pretentious bustle-butt
hanging off its rear, hustling down the road at indecent speeds.
The featured tasting of the day was of a limited-production Retour
Pinot Noir. At $65 a bottle, it needed to be superior. And it was. But even
better was a chance to get back behind the wheel of a variety of cars, old
and new, and remind ourselves of just why we do what we do for a living.
To borrow from the Chiffons, it was one fine day.
SCM: Digital for all
Beginning with this issue, every subscriber to SCM will be able to
read a digital issue of the magazine as well as a print one. There will be
no additional charge for this. You will be emailed a link to the digital
issue around the first of each month, up to five days before the print version
arrives in your mailbox. (Premium subscription Platinum members
will get their digital issues ten days earlier.)
Getting set up to receive your subscription is simple. If you have not
created your “My SCM” free account, go to www.sportscarmarket.com/
myscm and you will arrive at the “Create an Account” page. If you have
any questions, please send them to helpdesk@sportscarmarket.com.
In addition to allowing you to take your SCM on the road with you
on your laptop or iPhone, every single advertisement in SCM will have a
hyperlink to the advertiser's web site. So if there's an auction or widget
you're particularly interested in, just click on the advert and you'll find
yourself on the relevant site.
The world of information delivery continues to evolve, and here at
SCM we will continue to evolve with it, to provide you with top-flight,
accurate market information, in whichever ways you elect to receive
it. ♦
Sports Car Market
Carlyn Draneas

Page 8

Crossing the Block Jim Pickering
For more information about events marked with (*), see our exclusive 3rd Annual Insider's Guide to the Florida Auctions
and Mustangs to well-restored
big-block Chevelles and Road
Runners.
Leake Auctions—San Antonio 2009
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: March 21
More: www.leakecarauction.com
Leake Auctions will again
Brightwells—1933 Lagonda 16/80 tourer
Bonhams—Collectors' Motor Cars
& Automobilia
Where: Oxford, UK
When: March 8
More: www.bonhams.com
Bonhams's 2009 U.K. season
opener will take place at the
company's new Oxford Regional
Saleroom, an ex-Mercedes-Benz
dealership that will provide
plenty of space for a large number
of vehicles. Expect a good
assortment of both high-end and
driver-quality collectibles to suit
a variety of tastes.
H&H—Race Retro
Where: Stoneleigh Park, UK
When: March 14
More: www.classic-auctions.com
After serving as a founding
sponsor of the event, H&H
has returned to the position of
official auction partner to Race
Retro for 2009. Featured this
year is a 1918 Minerva Type NN
Special, a 1954 Arnolt Bristol
Bolide rumored to have raced in
the SCCA in Oklahoma during
the 1960s, and a 1995 Aston
Martin DB7 fitted with 24ct gold
leaf on its hood, trunk lid, roof,
and dash.
RM Auctions—
Automobiles of Amelia Island*
Where: Amelia Island, FL
When: March 14
More: www.rmauctions.com
Last year: 96/105 cars sold / $16.7m
The oceanfront lawn of the
Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton will
again serve as backdrop for RM
at this annual Florida staple, held
in conjunction with the Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance.
10
Highlights of this year's sale
include a 1954 Packard PantherDaytona
roadster concept car, a
1941 Chrysler Newport concept
that paced the 1941 Indianapolis
500, and a 1911 Oldsmobile
Autocrat racer known as the
“Yellow Peril.”
Brightwells—Classic Cars,
Motorcycles, & Automobilia
Where: Herefordshire, UK
When: March 18
More: www.brightwells.com
This mid-March event at
Easters Court is a great place to
find both mid-range and upscale
driver-quality consignments. The
sale will feature a 1933 Lagonda
16/80 tourer estimated to bring
between $85k and $92k, as well
as a 1933 MG J2 roadster valued
at between $23k and $31k.
Mecum Auctions—
Kansas City High Performance Auction
Where: Kansas City, MO
When: March 20–21
More: www.mecumauction.com
It's no secret that Mecum
specializes in American muscle,
and plenty will be available
at this all-new auction inside
the Kemper Arena. Expect the
consignment list to include everything
from driver-level GTOs
Auction Calendar
All dates listed are current at time of publication. Contact information for most auction companies may be found in the Resource Directory at
the back of this issue. Please confirm dates and locations before attending any event.
Email auction info to: jim.pickering@sportscarmarket.com.
FEBRUARY
6-8—RM
Fort Lauderdale, FL
7—BONHAMS
Paris, FRA
8—ARTCURIAL
Paris, FRA
9—SHANNONS
Sydney, AUS
9-10—BARONS
Surrey, UK
13-14—KRUSE
Honolulu, HI
20-21—LEAKE
Oklahoma City, OK
20-22—MCCORMICK
Palm Springs, CA
26-MAR 1—G. POTTER
KING
Atlantic City, NJ
27-28—KRUSE
Tucson, AZ
MARCH
6-7—KRUSE
San Diego, CA
7—CHEFFINS
Bristol, UK
8—BONHAMS
Oxford, UK
9—SHANNONS
Melbourne, AUS
14-15—ICA
Gilbert, AZ
15—H&H
Coventry, UK
14—RM
Amelia Island, FL
18—BRIGHTWELLS
Herefordshire, UK
20-21—KRUSE
Las Vegas, NV
20-21—MECUM
Kansas City, MO
21—LEAKE
San Antonio, TX
21—SILVER
Seattle, WA
23-24—BARONS
Surrey, UK
27-28—KRUSE
Daytona Beach, FL
APRIL
3-4—KRUSE
Schaumburg, IL
3-4—WORLDWIDE
Escondido, CA
3-5—RM
Toronto, CAN
5—BONHAMS &
GOODMAN
Sydney, AUS
9-11—BARRETTJACKSON
West Palm Beach, FL
16—H&H
Buxton, UK
17-18—COX
Branson, MO
17-19—KRUSE
Palm Beach, FL
20—BONHAMS
Hendon, UK
23-24—CARLISLE
Carlisle, PA
25—CHEFFINS
Cambridge, UK
25-26—RM
Novi, MI
26—BONHAMS
Stafford, UK
27-28—BARONS
Surrey, UK
team up with Dan Kruse Classics
for this first-time San Antonio
event at the Alamodome. Over
300 collector cars are expected
to cross the block, with two rings
of cars being auctioned simultaneously.
November's sale in
Dallas saw a significant number
of consignments sell at under
$25k, which makes this a great
place to go for an affordable addition
to your garage.
Daytona Classic Car Auction*
Where: Daytona Beach, FL
Vicari Auctions—
When: March 27–28
More: www.vicarimotorsports.com
Muscle cars and hot rods
will headline this second annual
event at the Daytona International
Speedway, held alongside the
Daytona Beach Car Show
and Swap Meet. This is the
second largest event of its kind in
Florida, and with a car show and
car corral running in conjunction
with the swapmeet and auction,
there should be something to
interest even the most selective
gearhead. ♦
Sports Car Market

Page 10

Inside Line Stefan Lombard Send news and event listings to insideline@sportscarmarket.com.
Valley Region of the Porsche
Club of America. The club is
celebrating its 50th year and has
over 1,900 members. Osborne
will discuss the state of the
European collector car market,
then host a Q & A session with
club members. Sources tell us
that Osborne is going to agree
to allow 914, 924, and Cayenne
owners to sit with the 911 owners,
at least for his address. (CT)
News
■ Bee Automobiles Ltd. has
Jennifer and Keelin
SCM News
■ SCM is pleased to
announce the arrival of
Keelin Mason Shockley, born
December 11 to Subscription
Coordinator Jennifer DavisShockley
and husband Craig.
Little Keelin came off the
assembly line at 1:43 am with
a curb weight of 7 lb 8 oz and a
wheelbase of 19.5 inches. Styling
is very reminiscent of her father,
and she is the couple's first child.
■ On March 10, at
Automobile Associates of
Canton, Connecticut, SCM
Contributing Editor Donald
Osborne will be a guest
speaker at the Connecticut
constructed a new electric car
as part of the revival of storied
British marque BRM. The car,
dubbed the BRM Bee Four ERV,
has been unveiled to help commemorate
the 60th anniversary
of BRM in 2009. The 700-hp,
zero-emissions racer will
participate in the British Speed
Hillclimb Championship in 2010.
Events
■ The 14th annual Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance
will take place March 13–15,
and attendees can expect a
weekend jam-packed with
special programs. Racing greats
Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser,
Jim Rathmann, and five other
Indy 500 winners will gather for
“The Great Roadster Drivers,”
a seminar to discuss the days of
front-engine racing in America,
as well as two significant motor-
sports events of 1959—the first
U.S. Grand Prix, held at Sebring,
and the only Indy Car race ever
held at the Daytona Speedway.
Noted automobile historian and
author Ken Gross will moderate
a panel entitled “The Great
Customizers,” which will include
some greats indeed—Chip Foose,
George Barris, Dean Jeffries,
Darryl Starbird, and Steve
Pasteiner. On the lawn, veteran
racer and current Speed Channel
commentator David Hobbs will
serve as concours honoree. He
will oversee a dynamic gathering
of vintage machinery, headlined
by the elegant coachwork of
Bohman & Schwartz. One such
car will be the Phantom Corsair,
a pioneering streamlined design
of the late 1930s, which will
make a rare public appearance.
SCM Publisher Martin will be
there, as will SCM staff at the
SCM booth; stop by and say
hello. Tickets for the seminars
start at $20, while concours
tickets are $45 for adults, $20 for
students. Visit www.ameliaconcours.org
for more. (FL)
■ Race Retro, Britain's
International Historic Motorsport
show, returns from March 13
to 15 at Stoneleigh Park in
Coventry. The show is the
largest winter event of its kind
and features 400 exhibitors over
four halls, as well as live racing
events both indoors and out.
Event
Calendar
Feb. 28-Mar 1—Desert Classic Concours (CA)
www.desertconcours.com
5-15—Geneva Motor Show (CHE)
www.salon-auto.ch/en
8—Queen's English British Car Meet (CA)
www.queens-english.org
13-15—Amelia Island Concours (FL)
www.ameliaconcours.org
13-15—Coppa Milano-Sanremo (ITA)
www.milano-sanremo.it
13-15—Race Retro (UK)
www.raceretro.com
15-18—AACA Western Tour (CA)
www.aaca.org
18-21—12 Hours of Sebring (FL)
www.americanlemans.com
27-29—Legends of Riverside Film Festival (CA)
www.legendsofriverside.com
28-29—Oldtimer & Teilemarkt (CHE)
www.oldtimer-teilemarkt.com
31-Apr. 5—Vancouver Int'l Auto Show (CAN)
www.vancouverinternationalautoshow.com
Amelia Island returns with a loaded schedule
12
Sports Car Market
Aston Martin is the featured
marque, with special emphasis
on the company's 1959 World
Sports Car Championship. Mini
will also be honored for its 50
years on the motorsport world
stage. H&H will host an auction
alongside the show on the 15th.
Tickets start at $22 for adults,
$7.50 for kids. Visit www.raceretro.com
for more. (UK)
■ The Legends of Riverside
Racing Film Festival and
Gala runs from March 27 to 29
at the Riverside International
Automotive Museum. The
festival will screen notable
gearhead flicks such as “Death
Race 2000,” “Thunder Road,”
and “The Big Wheel,” as well as
automotive and motorsport documentaries.
Special luncheons
and dinners, a Cannonball Run
Roundtable, a CanAm and
F5000 display, a tribute to Paul
Newman, and many other events
round out the weekend. Tickets
are limited and start at $199, all
inclusive. Visit www.legendsofriverside.com
for more. (C A) ♦

You Write We Read
All letters are subject to editing. Please address correspondence to SCM, P.O. Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208.
Fax 503.253.2234, e-mail: youwrite@sportscarmarket.com
From the factory
I'm writing in regards to
Dan Grunwald's analysis of the
1961 Chevrolet Impala SS sold
at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas,
(January, “Market Report,” p.
58). He writes, “The SS option
came as a dealer-installed package
in '61…”
In fact, the Super Sport option
was a factory option package.
The real Super Sport kit was only
available on the big-block cars,
and the VIN after the alphabetic
factory designation should start at
21XXXX or higher. It was never
offered with bucket seats, as your
subject car had.
I purchased a '61 Impala new
and after reviewing the offered
options from March of '61, I can
confirm that the Super Sport
option was not yet available.
My purchase of a documented
SS was the culmination of a
five-year search and a sevenpage
self-constructed checklist
to verify the correctness of
SS cars on the market. Buyer
beware!—Dr. Wellington C.
Morton, Jacksonville, FL
Dan Grunwald responds:
I stand corrected, Dr. Morton.
The old school of thought on
this was that some '61s were
factory SS optioned but that the
package could also be added at
the dealer. It seems that further
digging and updating of my own
knowledge databases shows
that although the SS option
was relatively cheap at $53.80
when it was checked off on the
order form, the reason it wasn't
ordered more often is because it
required other options that were
quite costly, including the 305hp-or-larger
348 or 409 engine,
heavy-duty brakes, and more.
The final option cost for an
original '61 SS Impala brought
the total package into Corvette
territory.
This price issue, together
with the late-model-year issue,
made for the limited number of
these cars being built. There
may have been a number of
dealers who liked the special
trims and possibly offered them
as packages to their customers
to “upgrade” their Impalas,
and that may be where I and
16
For my 4¼-Liter Bentley, I
took to the DMV its British log
book, with names and addresses
of all owners back to 1938 when
it was new, plus import documents.
They refused to title it,
saying they could only give me
a title if the car had a previous
U.S. title. I asked what I could do
and was told “I guess you'll have
to junk it.” Really.
For my 1911 Hupmobile, I
had its ownership history from
new (I'm the fourth owner).
It spent half a century in a
museum. The DMV clerk tried
to find it in the NADA Used Car
Value Guide, became visibly
angry when it wasn't there, and
went to consult with her supervisor.
Verdict: They could not give
me a title or registration.
And my Jabro sports racing
special, with ownership records
since 1961? No deal.
I now have a 1920s Amilcar
The Super Sport kit was only
available on the big-block cars,
and the VIN after the alphabetic factory
designation should start at 21XXXX or higher
others originally believed the SS
to have been dealer-installed.
Thanks for putting it straight.
Long live the bike
I want to thank Paul
Hardiman for a nice piece regarding
the 1949 Vincent Black
Lightning and the 1973 Ducati
Formula 750 race bike (January,
“Bike Buys,” p. 102. It seems
amazing to me that the Ducati
racer with stories was expected
(at least by the seller) to reach a
$430,000 reserve.
I can remember not too
long ago there were very few
bikes—with the exception of
perhaps the very nicest Brough
Superiors—that could reach
the $100,000–$200,000 mark.
Although aesthetically more
pleasing than the '72 750 racers,
the '73 does not carry near the
importance or the success of the
bikes of the prior year. It makes
me wonder what the unrestored
Paul Smart Imola winner would
go for. A million?
I understand that SCM's bike
page catches a lot of flak from
car guys; I, for one, look forward
to it every month. I'm a car guy
too, but I still love a good bike
story, and I prefer your subject
bikes to the ones in the more
popular vintage bike magazines
on the market. Your choices
possess the right mix of the
archaic and the important. Keep
up the good work.—Joe Loduca,
Piedmont, CA
How do I title this thing?
With regard to recent “Legal
Files” columns on the subject, I
have a general comment on title
issues, particularly as concerns
my own experiences with the
Virginia DMV.
bitsa, built up from several parts
cars. I made an inquiry via a
friend of a friend, who's a DMV
administrator at the central
office in Richmond. His opinion:
I could try getting a court order,
but he knew even then the DMV
would refuse if the engine wasn't
original (it isn't). So he was
sure the DMV wouldn't title the
car. I'd like to offer it for sale
in Europe, but cannot export it
without a title.
In all these transactions,
DMV employees showed
obvious satisfaction in catching
and punishing wicked wouldbe
lawbreakers like myself.
Their goal is to systematically
eliminate any means by which I
can carry out evil purposes such
as described above. Are other
states like this?—Paul Wilson,
Fairfield, VA
John Draneas responds:
Thanks for your letter, Paul.
With titling a classic car, the
experience varies from state to
state. That's why the “looser”
states—Alabama, Texas,
Louisiana, and Arizona—have
spawned title services that will
help you get through this mess.
Typically, these services will
charge a few hundred dollars
to get you a title in their state
without requiring you to take

Page 16

Ad Index
2shores International ...........................105
Amelia Island Concours ........................73
Aston Martin of New England...............83
Autobooks-Aerobooks .........................112
Automobilia Monterey ........................109
Autosport Designs ..................................81
Autosprint ...............................................97
Barrett-Jackson ......................................17
Battery Tender ......................................105
BB One Exports ...................................103
Bonhams & Butterfields ........................19
Branson Collector Car Auction .............53
Canepa ....................................................29
Cheetah Continuation Collectible ........83
Cobalt Automotive LLC ........................21
Competition Components ....................113
Condon & Skelly ....................................85
Copley Motorcars .................................105
Cosdel ...................................................103
County Corvette .....................................55
D L George Coachwork .........................43
David J Mohlman ...................................75
Driversource Houston LLC ...................31
Dynamic Technology ...........................112
European Collectibles ..........................103
Exotic Car Transport ............................113
Fantasy Junction .....................................47
FECC Passport Auto Transport ...........105
Fine Sports Cars ...................................113
Fourintune Garage Inc .........................113
Gooding & Company ...............................2
Grundy Worldwide.................................39
Hagerty ...................................................15
Heacock Classic ....................................95
Hyman, Ltd.............................................65
Intercity Lines ........................................27
JD Classics .............................................67
JJ Best Banc & Co ................................107
Juniors House of Color.........................112
Keels and Wheels Concours ..................35
Kidston .....................................................9
Kruse International ................................61
Mac Neil Automotive .............................59
Mercedes Classic Center ......................115
Miller's Incorporated ...........................113
Morris Trailer .......................................103
Motor Classic & Competition Corp. ...109
Motorcar Portfolio ..................................97
My Classic Car Garage ..........................99
Nick's Forza Ferrari .............................113
Palm Beach Driving Club ......................63
Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions ........57
Park Place LTD ......................................23
Paul Russell and Company ....................81
Plycar Transportation Group .................49
Putnam Leasing ......................................25
Reliable Carriers ....................................69
Re-Originals ...........................................95
RM Auctions ....................................11, 13
Road Scholars .........................................95
Ron Tonkin .............................................79
Ronald McDonald House .......................33
RPM Autobooks ...................................113
Silver .......................................................71
Symbolic Motor Car Co ...........................3
The Stable ...............................................79
Thomas Hamann ....................................85
US Appraisal ........................................109
Vintage Auto Collectibles ....................116
Vintage Rallies .......................................77
Windemere .............................................97
Worldwide Group .................................5, 7
Zygmundt & Assoc. .............................112
18
Judging by photographs of the grid, the 100S would have been
expected to be one of the slower cars in the race.
Granted, it had two extraordinarily proficient drivers, but still, this is
an extraordinary result
the car there. Then, you can
transfer your new U.S.-state title
to Virginia. You can find these
services on the Internet. Be sure
to ask all your questions up
front, and check with your local
DMV to be sure they will accept
the title, so you don't waste time
and money.
Really? A Healey?
In his recent coverage of the
Goodwood Revival, (January,
“Goodwood Revivified,” p. 30),
Robert Ames comments that as
a Healey 100S owner, he was
pleased to see one win the March
Memorial Trophy race, by three
laps, no less.
Judging by photographs of
the grid, the 100S would have
been expected to be one of the
slower cars in the race. Granted,
it had two extraordinarily proficient
drivers, but still, this is an
extraordinary result. Perhaps Mr.
Ames could shed a little light as
to just what was under the hood
of that particular 100S. The fact
of the matter is that the stock
100S, by modern standards, is a
stone.
I had one—s/n 3507, the ex-
Vince Sardi car—which I drove
off of a used car lot in 1958 for
$1,350. I put a top and windshield
on it and used it as a road
car for four years. Thanks to the
24-gallon gas tank, no trunk, a
ride with no compliance, and all
that vibration from the engine,
I was left shaking after a trip of
just a couple of hours. Flames
that shot out of the sidepipes on
the overrun at night helped make
up for it.
I sold it and bought a 1961
Series II Lotus Elite, going from
the merely impractical to the
outright dangerous. I was young
then. I wish I had both of them
back in my garage now, as well
with all of the other “used cars”
I had along the way.—Warren
Cox, Washington, DC
Bob Ames responds: Thanks
for your letter, Warren. I do
think you underestimate the
potential of a well-prepared
100S versus one fresh from a
used car lot. The car driven by
Pirro at Goodwood was clearly
well sorted, but it also withstood
the now-quite thorough Revival
scrutineering in terms of authenticity.
I drove a 750 Monza at
the first of Lord March's circuit
races, and frankly, I would have
been far more comfortable in
the disc-braked Healey—maybe
faster as well.
That's the opinion of a
lifelong amateur racer. How
about in the hands of a Stirling
Moss? Moss, who finished 6th
overall at Sebring in a 100S in
1955, put me on to 3901, the car
I now own, after having driven
it in a historic support race at
the 1998 Australian Grand Prix.
Contemporary coverage cited
“times matched only by cars of
far greater power and performance.”
A favorite reference of
mine is the classic Road & Track
Road Test. The 100S recorded a
time of 7.8 seconds from 0–60
mph, one of the quickest the
magazine had reported at the
time of its 1955 test.
Ultimately, I think what it
comes down to is the consummate
skill of a Moss or Pirro
versus that of a “civilian” like
me. Still, I will gladly provide
you a couple laps at speed in
3901 at Portland International if
you should ever find yourself in
this neck of the woods. ♦
Sports Car Market

Page 18

Stuff
Neat
by Stefan Lombard
In the genes
Automotive artist Nicolas Hunziker
comes by his work honestly. He derives
his eye for detail from his great-grandfather
and grandfather, who were both
classically trained painters—the latter
perhaps most famous for his Bugatti
poster of 1932. It also doesn't hurt that
his grand-uncle was the motor racing
Prince Bira of Siam, so Hunziker is no
stranger to the history, adrenaline, and petrol fumes of the sport.
He trained at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design, and he believes in keeping his work
simple. He incorporates many elements of Art Deco advertising posters into his painting, and he
calls his style “Period Correct.” His focus lies in vintage racing, with a special emphasis on Porsche,
and his acrylic on canvas original paintings have been reprinted on everything from greeting cards
and kids' T-shirts to posters and limited-edition signed prints. Hunziker can create any piece on
commission, and no piece is too small or big, a fact attested to by the 47-ft murals he has created for
various patrons. Cars, shirts, and posters range from $15 to $30, signed prints are $750, and prices
for originals start at about $4,000. You can see his gallery or commission your own piece at www
.nicolashunziker.com.
WHAT YOU NEED AND HOW TO GET IT
There is no substitute
Nothing drives like a Porsche. Nothing holds your beverage quite like
one, either. And whether your beverage of choice is coffee, espresso, or a
tall glass of spirits, German engineering will have you sipping in style.
Drink your coffee or tea from a limited-edition,
dishwasher-safe mug depicting Porsche #1.
Or how about sipping espresso in style
from these individually numbered cups?
Complete with matching saucers,
each piece shows off a different bit of
Porsche motorsport history, including
the 1968 909 “Bergspyder,” 1970 908/03
Spyder, 1970 917K, and 1971 917LH. And if you're a juice (or Manhattan) guy, then these four glasses
are just thing. They span the generations of the venerable 911 and feature the Type 901 of 1964, the
1973 Carrera RS 2.7, 1988 Targa, and the 1993 Carrera 3.6 Speedster. The mug is $19, the espresso
set $79, and the glasses will set you back $89—all cheaper than buying the depicted automobiles
by a healthy margin. Buy them from the Porsche Design Driver's Collection at www.shop1
.porsche.com/usa.
20
Sports Car Market

Page 20

In Miniature by Marshall Buck
1955 Ford Thunderbird
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the
1955 Ford Thunderbird. I still want one. In the small
scale, the team of enthusiasts at the Danbury Mint have
delivered, and on more than one occasion.
Their 1:24-scale '55, painted Thunderbird Blue, is
a joy to behold. Ride height is perfect as it sits on wide
whites with photo-etched wire wheel covers. The level
of detail is to the usual astounding degree and represents
exceptional value. The body is adorned with delicate
chrome-foiled emblems in every place they should be.
The chrome foil process is similar to photo etching but
gives rounder edges, as opposed to the flat, sharp edges
you get with photo etch. The foil process also yields a
perfect chrome finish.
As we have become accustomed, there is a long list
of working parts, along with gas cap door in the trunk
lid, antenna and removable rear fender skirts. Included
with each model is a removable convertible top perfectly
replicated inside and out, which fits precisely in
place. The engine has a wealth of detail, including the
optional chrome “Dress Up Kit.” You might enjoy the
“See Clear” text on the windshield washer bag, too.
The interior features a fully detailed dash, door
panels, carpeting, and more. All those bits appear to be
just right, with the exception of the slightly heavy automatic
floor shifter. Pop open the trunk and you'll find
the spare sitting atop a correct rubber floor mat, along
with a jack nestled inside the left fender. Take a look
into the bulkhead of the trunk to see the miniaturized
jacking instructions.
This is a new release from
DM and follows their previous
1955 'Bird in Goldenrod
Yellow, which was produced
as a limited edition only
in 2005 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
Thunderbird. The anniversary edition came with a
removable hard top, which even featured a perfectly
simulated perforated headliner.
DM has also produced editions of the '56 and '57
T-Birds. If you must have the limited 1955 model, look
on eBay and expect to pay around $200. The current
blue version is priced at $129.
Available from the Danbury Mint; 800.243.4664.
Model Details
Production Date: Blue
2008–present; Yellow
2005 only.
Quantity: 5,000 to 10,000
approx. of each model
Ratings:
Overall Quality:
Authenticity:
Overall Value:
Web: www.danburymint.com
Speaking Volumes by Mark Wigginton
Peter Egan: On the Road
by Peter Egan, Parker House Publishing,
352 pages, $17.79 (Amazon)
Peter Egan, on many
occasions, is the best reason
to pick up the newest
issue of Road & Track. His
column is the first thing I
turn to, and like a later-day
Jean Shepherd, his open,
friendly, and just plain cozy
writing often creates a pleasure
larger than the sum of
the journalistic parts.
To be grand about it,
he finds simple truths for
motorheads
everywhere,
mining the mundane for golden moments he uses to
connect with other people who love cars. Whether
writing about road trips or barn finds, winter evenings
rebuilding bits in the garage or grand adventures, Egan
uses a sharp eye and “sharing-a-beer” voice to great
effect.
On the Road is a collection of selected travel writ-
ing and other pieces from the magazine, from 1983 to
1996. Each begins with a brief introductory note, and
most have a few black and white images.
From the first (the story of his teenage attempt to
race a 1951 Buick Special) to the last (a trip to New
Orleans in a 1963 Cadillac sedan), Egan explores the
call of the road, always in the most interesting, though
often unexpected, vehicle he can get his hands on.
You've probably never considered crossing the
Badlands in winter in a 1972 Ferrari 246 GT Dino,
or driving from Southern California to Elkhart Lake,
Wisconsin, in a Westfield Lotus 11 replica, but that's
just the beginning for Egan. There is a trip to take part
in the Mille Miglia, a trek through the desert of Baja,
racing at the Monterey Historics, and an eye-opening
slog across India and Nepal.
Wherever he goes, Egan is the car-guy tour guide
of your dreams: funny, a great story teller, and an easyto-get-along-with
companion. He travels well.
Provenance:
Egan's the real deal, with lots of grease under his
nails and more time actually wrenching on cars than
many of his columnist cohorts. That intimacy with
the machines and his pure love of the road makes for a
great combination.
Fit and finish:
For what you could argue is as much a travel book as
a collection of columns, at least in spirit, the minimum
of photographs is a disappointment. The fact they are
all tiny and badly reproduced black-and-white images
compounds the problem.
Drivability:
The best thing about Peter Egan's prose is the acces-
sibility and sense of personality, like a friend talking to
you. The only quibble is On the Road might best be
read in short bursts. A straight-through reading might
have you consider playing a drinking game I'll call
Peter Egan Bingo (Chris Beebe, Barb, Bug-eye Sprite,
guitar, breakfast: BINGO!). That said, I'm ready for
the next trip.
22
Sports Car Market

Page 22

Affordable Classic Jaguar XJ6
The Last Real Jaguar Sedan
The DOHC six was proven technology, and even the collection of boobs and
Marxists assembling cars for British Leyland in the 1970s couldn't screw it up
by Rob Sass
Thereafter, the company irretrievably
jumped the shark
in 1968 with the Series II
E-type, before sinking under
British Leyland and then Ford
ownership.
But founder Sir William
I
Lyons had one last brilliant
car in him—the XJ6. When
it was introduced in 1969, the
dean of U.S. car magazines,
Road & Track, called it
“uncannily silent, gloriously
swift and safe as a house.”
Post-war Jaguar sedans
n the opinion of many,
the Series I E-type of
1961–67 was the highwater
mark for Jaguar.
Coupe. All came with rather
distinctive black vinyl roofs,
which cynics believe were
used simply to cover inferior
welds. The short-lived XJ12
coupe added an infernally
complicated 5.3-liter V12—a
lifetime project, like a Citroën
DS19.
The heart of the XJ was
the brilliant DOHC six
As the cars couldn't pos1973
XJ6, last of the Series I
had alternated between ravishingly attractive and bulbously large. The XJ6's immediate
predecessor, the 420G, was an example of the latter. While clearly sharing the same
parentage, the XJ6 was Ashley Judd to the 420G's Wynonna. Like the E-type, the XJ6
(the original car, not the “AJ40” redesign of 1988) was built in three series. Unlike the
E-type, however, the last series was substantially improved.
Series I cars are distinguished by their tall grilles and low, small bumpers. They
are uncompromising and exactly the car Sir William Lyons wanted.
Mechanically, U.S. XJs got virtually the same 245-hp twin-Zenith-Stromberg-
equipped 4.2-liter XK straight-6. Fully independent rear suspension was also E-type
derived, with the same inconvenient inboard disc brakes. Over the years, countless
XJ6s have been sacrificed for their rear suspensions—Tupperware Cobra builders
covet them.
Allegedly available with knockoff wire wheels
Early cars were theoretically available with Dunlop 72-spoke chrome knockoff
wire wheels, the same as an E-type, but came with the chrome steel wheels and hubcaps
that were the base wheel on the Series II and Series III E-type.
Another unavailable option was the 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. All
U.S.-market cars were equipped with a Borg-Warner automatic, though a handful
of left-hand-drive European-delivery cars have sneaked in. It's a crying shame, as a
4-speed XJ6 would have had enduring appeal.
Series I cars were handicapped by pathetic
Details
Years produced:1968–90
Number produced: 206,000 (all XJ6, XJ12)
Original list price: $7,400 (1970)
SCM Valuation: $5,000–$7,000
Tune-up cost: $350–$400
Distributor cap: $15.95
Chassis #: Plate on A-pillar or door jamb
Engine #: Right side near oil filter
Club: Jaguar Clubs of North America
234 Buckland Trace
Louisville, KY 40245
More: www.jcna.com
Alternatives: 1972–76 BMW 3.0Si;
1971–72 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5;
1971–85 DeTomaso Deauville
SCM Investment Grade: F+
24
HVAC systems, and Jaguar's legendary reputation
for unreliability was being built in earnest, calling
to mind David Niven's quote about Errol Flynn:
“You can count on Errol Flynn, he'll always let you
down.”
Things got worse. The Series II cars were intro-
duced in 1974, primarily to comply with American
5-mph bumper regulations. The bumper size
increased dramatically and it was raised, necessitating
a smaller and less attractive grille and supplemental
air intake below the bumper. British Leyland
was now firmly in control, and in terms of reliability
and build quality, the Series II made the Series I
look like a Lexus.
In fact, the only thing noteworthy about the Series
II was the availability of the gorgeous pillarless XJ
sibly get worse, any Series
III cars (from 1980 on) must
be considered an improvement.
Pininfarina successfully
freshened the styling, and fuel
injection (Bosch electronic
built under license by Lucas) at last replaced the ancient
Strombergs. Niceties like a sunroof and cruise control
became available. Also offered were the very attractive
“pepperpot” alloy wheels that stayed with the Series III
until the end in 1987.
The heart of the XJ6 is the brilliant DOHC XK
six. True, it dated back to 1948, and at 4.2 liters, it was
stroked to within an inch of its life, but this mattered less
in a sedan than it did a sports car. Most importantly, it
was proven technology, and even the collection of boobs
and Marxists assembling cars for British Leyland in the
1970s couldn't screw it up.
I therefore find it amazing how many V8 conversions
took place in XJ6s over the years. While all of the Lucas
ancillaries like alternators, starters, distributors and
such may have been highly suspect, the Le Mans-winning
engine was not. The absence of funny noises or
smoke, and oil pressure greater than about 40 psi warm
at 3,000 rpm usually indicate that things are fine.
Rust is problematic in nearly any old car; in an XJ6,
it can easily put the car beyond reasonable repair. Rust in
the floors, inner sills, and the rear radius arm mounting
points is a deal-breaker. Given the modest values of the
car, one would do well to walk away from any example
exhibiting signs of corrosion.
Similarly, there is no need to trifle with an XJ6
with a ratty interior. Nearly every surface is covered in
leather or wood, and none of this is cheap to replace.
Sagging headliners are common, and replacement is the
only cure.
Unlike earlier Jaguar sedans, the XJ6 has yet to
make the jump from used car to even minor collectible.
To be worth even low five figures, it would take a bit of
luck and a really great Series I car in a desirable color
like Regency Red. As frequent drivers, the Series III
cars are probably the best bets. Be particularly choosy.
The best likely won't break $7,000; the worst, however,
will break you. ♦
Sports Car Market

Page 24

Legal Files John Draneas
How to Avoid Sales Tax—Legally
Five states do not levy sales taxes—Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New
Hampshire, and Oregon. Oregon is the winner here
sellers to do that. So every state that
imposes a sales tax backs it up with
a use tax.
In private transactions, the pur-
chaser is legally required to report
the purchase and pay a use tax, which
is levied at the same rate as the sales
tax. Obviously, very few purchasers
bother to do that, and use tax revenue
is dramatically limited. But use tax is
very easily collected when licensing
the vehicle.
Dealers have their own snags
Sales and use taxes are not im-
posed on wholesale transactions.
Car dealer purchases are exempt, as
they will collect a sales tax from the
retail purchaser of the car. Some car
collectors have discovered they can
get licensed as a car dealer rather
inexpensively. Dealer status allows
them to exempt their purchases from
sales and use tax, but it has its shortcomings.
First off, dealer status makes
“NOTINOR”
coupe owned by a motivated seller. After modest negotiations (and thorough pre-purchase
inspections by Ferrari experts to confirm its authenticity, history, and mechanical,
body, chassis and cosmetic condition), he writes a check for $250,000. A few days
later, he drives the Daytona to his nearest DMV office, and collapses when he gets the
registration bill.
If our taxpayer lives in San Francisco, he's facing one of the highest sales taxes
E
in the country. California's base sales tax rate is 7.25%, but local governments and
special districts are allowed to add to that. As a result of the add-ons, the sales tax rate
in San Francisco is 8.5%, which adds $21,250 to the cost of the Daytona. Granted, this
is a lot more than the typical state's 6%, but it's not even the highest sales tax rate in
California. That honor goes to the city of Southgate, in Los Angeles County, which
tops out at a whopping 9.25%.
And the expenses don't stop there. California's annual vehicle licensing fee is
0.65% of a car's value, adding another $1,625 to the cost of our taxpayer's Ferrari.
But California is in a deep budget mess. At this writing, a news report claimed that a
tentative budget deal would raise this fee to 2% of the car's value. That would cost our
taxpayer another $5,000 every year.
There are no limits to these taxes, and the same percentages apply to all collector
cars, and they mount up as the value of the car goes up. As you would expect, our
taxpayer would love to know how to avoid some or all of these additional taxes.
Use tax backs up sales tax
Sales taxes are levied only in retail transactions. The seller collects the sales tax
from the buyer and sends it to the state. But it's too burdensome to require private
26
ver feel like you're being taxed to death? Everyone feels that way on April 15,
but another way to feel the pinch is to buy a collector car and stop by your local
DMV to get it licensed.
Consider a hypothetical SCMer taxpayer. He finds the right Ferrari Daytona
your car insurance more difficult.
Your “inventory” can't be properly
insured under a consumer policy, and
sneaking it may allow the insurance company to deny
your claim on the basis of fraud, just when you need the
coverage most.
As a dealer, you have to collect sales tax and file
reports with the state when you sell a car, creating an
administrative burden and accounting expense.
But the greatest financial concern is that dealer
status can make you lose out on capital gains taxation
when you sell the car. Sales from a dealer's inventory are
taxed as ordinary income, currently a 35% maximum
tax rate. That is a lot more than the bargain basement
15% federal capital gains rate, previously reported by
“Legal Files.”
It's a pretty easy audit issue for the IRS. “Mr.
Taxpayer, we know you wouldn't lie to your state government
about your sales and use tax status—that would
be a crime. If you had purchased this vehicle for investment
purposes, you would have paid sales or use tax.
You didn't do that, so it must be inventory, right?”
And try getting the auditor to believe that you bought
the Daytona as inventory, but later decided to keep it as
an investment, and didn't realize that doing so meant
you had to pay use tax to your state.
Find a tax shelter state
If our taxpayer is willing to do it, he can avoid the
sales and use tax by parking his Daytona in another
state, at least for a while. California law, which is prob-
Sports Car Market

Page 25

ably typical, imposes a sales or use tax only on cars purchased for use within the state.
That is, California can't tax the Daytona until it comes into California. Think of it this
way. If you owned a vacation home in another state and bought a car to leave there for
use when you stayed at your vacation home, no one would expect California to levy a
tax on a car registered in the other state.
Yacht owners have been doing this for years. It is fairly common practice for
California yacht owners to take delivery of their yachts at the Ensenada, Mexico, yacht
harbor and leave them there long enough to escape California sales tax. But leaving
the Daytona in Mexico isn't very appealing for many reasons, and our taxpayer would
prefer to keep it in the United States. But just placing it in another state will expose it
to sales or use tax in that state. There may be some savings because California has a
very high sales tax rate, but it isn't a complete victory. What our taxpayer needs is a
tax haven state for his Daytona.
There are five states that do not levy sales taxes—Alaska, Delaware, Montana,
New Hampshire, and Oregon. Oregon is the winner here because it has very appealing
vehicle registration laws. Under Oregon law, you can register your Daytona in Oregon
if you are a resident of Oregon, or if the Daytona is garaged in and used in Oregon. In
other words, the Daytona can be registered in Oregon if it is an Oregon resident, no
matter where you live. And, to make it even more alluring, your initial Oregon title
and licensing fees, regardless of value, come out to about $120, and that licenses the
car for two years.
You can go home again
This may seem rather far-fetched, but it's really quite doable. All our taxpayer
needs to do is find a place to store the Daytona in Oregon, and a local contact, and he
can avoid the California taxes and license fees altogether. And having a car to drive in
Oregon enables him to enjoy great roads and scenery—and the tax savings can pay for
plane trips back and forth.
But at some point, our taxpayer is going to want to bring the Ferrari home to
California. Can he ever afford to do so?
California law is quite helpful in this regard. No sales
or use tax is imposed when a California resident imports
a car that he owned, licensed, and used in another state.
To prevent subterfuges, two requirements are imposed:
(1) the car must have been registered in the other state
for at least 90 days (until recently, the requirement was
one year); and (2) the owner must have actually used the
car in the other state throughout its stay. Just parking it
there for a few days won't be enough. Our taxpayer will
need gas receipts, airfare and lodging expense receipts,
etc., to establish that he actually used the Daytona in
Oregon throughout the 90-day period.
Out-of-the-box thinking
This may seem like a complicated solution, but “Legal
Files” has assisted several collectors in legitimately avoiding
sales and use taxes in this manner, the more notable
ones involving a Porsche Carrera GT and a McLaren F1.
At those levels, the savings can run into six figures.
The Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit, and the
roads and scenery are fantastic. You can take advantage
of upcoming car club events to plan your local usage.
Then, after your Oregon-resident collector car has been
properly “seasoned,” you can work on getting it into
your home state in a nontaxable manner. ♦
JOHN DRANEAS is an attorney in Oregon. His comments
are general in nature and are not intended to
substitute for consultation with an attorney.
March 2009
27

Page 26

Collecting Thoughts Bonneville Speed
D.B. = Done Bonneville
Over the past two years, he refined and developed the noise-maker to
within an inch of its life. It now puts out 48 hp and revs to 10,000 rpm
by Raymond Milo
and research history. In addition to assembling a
collection of 1950s sports cars, including a 1958
Devin SS, a beautiful 1956 Jomar alloy racer, a
1953 Giaur, a 1952 Bonneville salt racer, and an
Ardun-powered sports car that Bill Pollack drove
to victory at Santa Barbara in 1953, Brinker coauthored
Vintage American Road Racing Cars,
nominated for the coveted Dean Batchelor Award.
He also writes a column for Vintage Racecar.
I wondered why the good doctor wanted an
HBR-5 and was surprised to hear he intended to
break the land speed record for the 750-cc class
at Bonneville. Brinker bought HBR-5 #1025 from
Myron Vernis in mid 2006, and since he also owns
a 1954 Devin Panhard, his chief mechanic Greg
Lucas was already up to speed on the engine.
Over the past two years, Lucas (with help from
many friends) refined and developed the noisemaker
to within an inch of its life. His engine
develops an impressive 48 hp at the front wheels
(probably 65 hp at the flywheel) and revs to 10,000
rpm.
Brinker's 1959 HBR-5, named BoneEvil, fits
Stranger in a strange land
Deutsch and René Bonnet—young engineers turned successful
racers.
After a string of forgettable cars powered by Citroën,
M
the two turned in post-WWII years to Panhard, the iconic
French company. In the late 1940s, Panhard was massproducing
tiny aluminum Dyna sedans, animated by an
air-cooled, 750-cc, two-cylinder boxer motor—sophisticated
for the time, with a roller-bearing crank, hairpin
valve springs, and front-wheel drive.
It was a bit shy on power, but Deutsch and Bonnet
still scored an incredible number of class victories at Le
Mans, Sebring, the Nürburgring, the Tour de France, and
even the very Italian Mille Miglia. The bread and butter
of the tiny company was an aerodynamic fiberglass coupe
named HBR-5. Exported by the hundreds to America as
a GT, it quickly ruled SCCA's H Production class. As the
years went by, Panhard increased the two-banger to 850
cc, and finally to 1,000 cc.
In addition to myself, there there are devotees for
these wonderful little cars in France and England and
Japan and even in the U.S. I was reminded of this when
SCMer Mark Brinker of Houston, Texas, called and said,
“Raymond, I need an HBR-5.”
For those of you who have not had the pleasure,
Brinker is an interesting man. He's a renowned orthopedic
surgeon and also one of the most astute collectors I
have encountered, with an uncanny ability to find cars
28
Sidepipes do little for speed but sure look cool
Sports Car Market
y automotive tastes include the bizarre and
out-of-the-ordinary, and one such marque
for which I have a soft spot is the French
Deutch-Bonnet (DéBé), built by Charles
into the Grand Touring Sports class, which is not
a sheltered workshop for vintage cars; the engine
displacement puts it in the J category. The GT/J record of 80.143 mph has been held by a
modern Honda since 1991.
But none of this bothered Brinker. His first-ever run on the salt (a rookie qualifying
run off the trailer) on August 18, 2008, was at 93.07 mph. His record-setting backup run
of 94.918 mph came the following morning. Averaging the two runs, Brinker's record is
now in the books at 93.994 mph.
This must be counted as another important moment in D.B. history. The D.B. vic-
tories of the '50s were against contemporary cars of similar development, but this is
an all-out record in a 50-year-old car. To put it another way, this makes the HBR-5 the
fastest 750-cc production GT car of all time.
Brinker aims to push the 750-cc record over 100 mph at his next outing. He also plans
to make a run at the 120-plus mph 1,000-cc GT/I record. I wouldn't bet against him. ♦
Photos by Harold Pace

Page 28

Events Fairfield County Concours
Fairfield County Concours
Perhaps the main difference between Fairfield and other shows is spectator
education, where cars are arranged chronologically and with car cards
by Rob Sass
Bests of the show—Corvette Rondine and Tatra T-77A
W
ith new concours springing up, it seems inevitable that the current trio
of Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, and Meadow Brook will expand to a
quartet. Fairfield County Concours may have a leg up on its competitors
due to its location in the backyards of some very influential collectors.
Fairfield County Hunt Club provides an ideal setting—the feeling that one had
landed on the planet of the Ralph Lauren models was spoiled only by my decidedly
non-runway-ready height and weight. This is indeed Mr. Lauren's backyard, and he
brought his 1958 Testa Rossa, which took the top award in a Ferrari class.
Dinner the evening before was sponsored by a local charity of note, Newman's
Own Foundation, which benefits several autism charities. It saw SCMers Malcolm
Pray and Wayne Carini honored by the state of Connecticut for their philanthropic
work.
Southwest Connecticut is home to some wonderful scenery and roads, and those
who never stray from I-95 are missing a great deal—emphasized by the “Nutmeg Tour
for Autism” rally. Meticulously routed by Rich and Jean Taylor, the presenters of the
New England 1000, it was an ideal way to become acquainted with SCM Contributing
Editor and concours emcee Donald Osborne's Dino 308 GT4.
The field of cars this year was exceptional, and Porsche's status as the presenting
sponsor attracted some wonderful examples of that marque, including one of the finest
early 911s I've seen, an Irish Green 1966
coupe owned by Richard Strahota and
Trish Carroll.
Unrestored cars are attaining a spe-
Details
cial status, and it's surprising how many
concours have yet to recognize this trend.
Fairfield County Concours is among those
that do. FIVA preservation awards were
30
Plan ahead: September 12–13, 2009
Where: Westport, CT
Cost: $20 general admission
More: www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com
given to a 1959 Ferrari 250 LWB California Spyder and
a 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSK Sports—not cars one often
sees in scruffy but authentic condition. The silent auction
car, a humble but untouched 1970s Mercedes-Benz
300D donated by a local family, unintentionally further
demonstrated the appeal of survivors.
Perhaps the most significant difference between
Fairfield and other shows is the emphasis on spectator
education. The cars are arranged chronologically and
with detailed car cards. Multiple field walks were a nice
touch.
Best in Show Foreign was won by an otherworldly
silver Czech 1938 Tatra T-77A owned by Don Long
and Helena Mitchell, one of the few that didn't meet its
end going off the road backwards with a member of the
hated occupying Nazi army at the wheel. Best in Show
Domestic was won by the 1963 Corvette Rondine concept
car brought by Michael Schudroff. It looked and
ran beautifully after its recent freshening by Corvette
Market magazine regular Kevin Mackay.
Overall, the concours has grown gracefully—it re-
tains the easygoing charm of its chairman Bill Scheffler
and the emphasis on education, yet attracted first-rate
cars and a major presenting sponsor in Porsche. Scheffler
and co-founder John Shuck are right on track to continue
developing the event without spoiling the genial
atmosphere. ♦
Sports Car Market
Alexander Davidis

Page 30

Events Sunriver Festival of Cars
Sunriver Drives the Green
There are no concours rules since there are no judges, and participants don't
need to spend endless time and countless money getting ready
by John Draneas
Idyllic backdrop of Central Oregon
Supercars were this year's featured category
T
he 2008 Sunriver Festival of Cars, presented by Sports Car Market from
September 12 to 14, elevated the event's stature to that of a significant regional
automotive event and a player to keep an eye on.
For the previous eleven years, the show was held on the courtyard of the
Village Mall in Sunriver, Oregon, one of the Northwest's premier resorts. The entrants
represented the Oregon Porsche, BMW, Jaguar, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Corvette
marque clubs, and always brought an interesting assortment of enthusiast cars.
This year, sponsorship by the Sunriver Resort and its affiliate, Caldera Springs,
allowed the Festival to move to the Meadows Driving Range. Cars always look better
on grass, and the backdrop of sweeping views of the Oregon Cascades didn't hurt one
bit.
The featured display was Supercars—cars that are or were among the fastest pro-
duction cars of their time. The category was anchored by the festival's poster trio—a
McLaren F1, a Ferrari Enzo, and a Porsche Carrera GT. The rest of the Supercar
display offered a range of about 20 cars, with everything from a Porsche 930 to a
Lamborghini Murcielago.
Behind the Supercars were over 150 Porsches, BMWs, Ferraris, Jaguars, Mercedes,
Corvettes, Lotuses, Lamborghinis, and numerous others stretching all the way to a
Smart Fortwo. They were arranged by vintage from the 1950s through current models,
so that the various marques would be interspersed.
Throughout the day, an engaging verbal pas de deux transpired between Festival
band Smudge and Festival announcer Keith Martin. Smudge leader Elise Franklin
practiced a variety of jazz and other rhythms, and juggled their sequence on the spot
to play songs to blend with the activities as the day progressed. There were many comments
about the added dimension that quality live music added to the event. Publisher
Martin roamed the field, injecting commentary between interviewing sponsors and
participants.
The beautiful sunny day brought several thousand spectators, and the 2,000 event
programs produced by sponsor Pamplin
Media Group were gone before lunch.
The day ended with the Festival Select
Parade; examples of each model were
driven past the crowd as Martin told the
history of each (or at least fabricated interesting
stories when he wasn't quite sure),
followed by the Parade of the Supercars,
with each example driving by for a similar
32
Details
Plan ahead: September 19, 2009
Where: Sunriver Resort
More: www.sunriverfestivalofcars.com
Marque clubs turned out
individual introduction. The Jay Audia People's Choice
Award, named for my co-organizer, who died earlier in
the year, was the only traditional award given. It went
to Ferrari dealer Ron Tonkin's Enzo. Tonkin was delighted
and observed that in all his years of automotive
events, the only award he had never previously won was
a People's Choice.
The post-event banquet was lively, and sponsors
presented a few “special” awards. Tonkin selected the
car on display that he most wished he had sold—the
BMW M1 owned by Tom Anderson from Carrera
Motors. Anderson chose the car he wouldn't want to
be caught dead in—a green on green modified 1975
Buick Le Sabre, complete with a “For Sale” sign. Bob
Macherione, from Sports Car Shop, picked the car only
an Italian could love, a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, and
Erik Clover, from Lamborghini of Portland/Gran Prix
Imports, selected the car his wife would most like for
him to borrow for the day, which was the Tonkin Enzo.
The Festival concluded with the Sunday Dash, a two-
hour, 100-mile sprint through the mountains and countryside
to a lunch at Maragas Winery. Happily, none of
the cars suffered mechanical difficulties, and no drivers
got a ticket. Publisher Martin got an early start back
to Portland, with his daughter Alex driving their 2000
Boxster S, top down at 6 am in the 35-degree weather. I
posit that they wouldn't have been quite so brave in the
era before heated seats and wind deflectors.
The Sunriver Festival of Cars is part of a develop-
ing national trend of casual classic car shows. There
are no rigid concours rules since there are no judges,
and participants don't need to spend time and money in
preparation. The Festival offers a relaxed setting, where
exceptional cars are on display and enthusiasts can
enjoy each other's company. Beautiful cars, a beautiful
setting, superb refreshments, sponsor displays, and a
bunch of friendly collectors create a perfect day. ♦
Sports Car Market
Photos: Kurt Shanaman

Page 32

Events Hilton Head Concours
The Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance
Nicola Bulgari chaired the seventh annual festival, which once again staked
its claim to the season's last hurrah
by Chip Lamb
1909 Rambler of Reggie and Cindy Nash
T
he seventh annual Hilton Head event took place October 31–November 2 at the
Honey Horn Plantation, a historic complex just on the northwestern edge of this
also-historic South Carolina island.
The Motoring Festival nicely balanced Saturday's club car show with
Worldwide's third annual auction and Sunday's Concours d'Elegance. The coordinators
take the cues that appeal to them from other festivals, without copying them
directly, and strive for a laid-back, diverse atmosphere. They succeed.
One element of the festival wasn't even held there, as HSR Vintage Racing kicked
off a race series on the new Hutchinson Island course in Savannah. The races were
held in clear and cool weather Thursday and Friday, and spectators crowded the track
to see the fast new circuit.
On Friday, Concours Tour participants, including Reggie and Cindy Nash in their
1909 Rambler and Mark Hyman with daughter Brooke in a 1953 Cunningham C-3,
toured the circuit, then returned to Honey Horn to survey cars bound for Saturday's
Worldwide auction.
Saturday dawned cool, with a heavy dew coating the cars. Organizers opened the
field to car clubs and individuals for an informal Car Club Jamboree, and mostly local
vehicles ranged from hot rods to modern classics. The local Corvette club brought 13
cars, from a concours-ready 1962 fuel-injected convertible to modern C6s.
Rain dampens proceedings, not spirits
Next door, Worldwide Auctioneers conducted an auction that reflected the strains of
the global credit crunch. Initially showing a less-than-50% sale rate, valiant post-block
activity brought the result to nearly 60%.
Saturday's concours banquet featured a
short address by jeweler and car collector
Nicola Bulgari, who explained his fascination
for immediate post-war American
classics. His remarks drew applause and
regard for his dedication to the hobby.
Alongside concours vehicles on Sunday,
Bulgari's motorhome featured a long
canopy over five pre-war and immediate
34
Details
Plan ahead: October 29–November 1, 2009
Where: Honey Horn Plantation,
Hilton Head, SC
Cost: $27, with packages available
More: www.hhiconcours.com
1953 Cunningham C-3 of Mark Hyman
post-war examples of rare American cars, both original
or restored by his curator, Keith Flickinger.
Bulgari also served as Honorary Chairman during
the following day's concours. Though the threat of rain
loomed, featured Brass and Microcar categories boasted
rare examples in restored and original states. In addition,
the 50th anniversary of Edsel was celebrated, along
with Morgan's centennial.
In the former group, an enthusiast presented a “what-
if” example of a 2008 Edsel made from a modern-day
Mercury Grand Marquis, with a trademark Edsel front
bumper, trim, and interior.
As awards began, sprinkles turned into a downpour,
but even Full Classics waited in line outside for the verdicts.
The coveted Best in Show and Most Outstanding
Pre-War Car went to a 1928 Packard 4-43 phaeton
owned by Gordon Logan of Georgetown, Texas. Bought
new by Logan's father, the car was sold in the mid-1950s
and reacquired by his son four years ago after a long stay
in the British Isles.
People's Choice honors went to another stunning
Full Classic, this time a 1930 Pierce-Arrow convertible
Victoria with coachwork by Waterhouse, a company
founded by the grandfather of the current owner, who
discovered the car after an exhaustive search.
Finally, the Most Outstanding Post-War went to tour
participant and collector car dealer Mark Hyman for his
Cunningham.
Well-organized by Chairman Dr. Paul Doerring,
Executive Director Carolyn Vanagel, and a dedicated,
largely volunteer staff, the Hilton Head Island Concours
seems certain to flourish as the final event of each calendar
year. ♦
Sports Car Market

Page 34

Ferrari Profile
1998 Ferrari F355 Challenge
Preparation and support of the cars was to be done by local Ferrari dealers,
but drivers soon discovered that all dealers were not equal
by Steve Ahlgrim
Details
Years produced: 1995–98
Number produced: 109
Original list price: $129,300
SCM Valuation: $60,000–$75,000
Tune-up cost: $4,000
Distributor cap: n/a
Chassis #: Stamped on frame in engine
compartment by passenger's side shock
mount
Engine #: Stamped on top of the engine on
passenger's side in the rear
Club: Ferrari Club of America
PO Box 720597
Atlanta, GA 30358
More: www.FerrariClubofAmerica.org
Alternatives: 1988 Corvette C4 Challenge Racer,
1997 Porsche 993 Carrera Cup,
1999 Lamborghini Diablo SVR
(Supertrophy series)
SCM Investment Grade: C
Comps
Chassis number: ZFFXR41B000111662
raced by the Darro Motor Racing Team and the noted
driver Gines Vivancos, the overall winner of the 2003
Spanish GT Championship. The car then was retired
from competitive racing. Still maintained by the Darro
Motor Racing Team, it was kept in perfect working order
and used by the team for demonstrations and test days.
Presented in full race preparation and livery, the F355
T
features a 6-speed manual transmission, correct for the
F355 Challenge. The interior appears complete and correct
and includes a red racing seat, full roll cage, Momo
leather-wrapped racing steering wheel, and the correct
F355 Challenge dashboard. Like all F355 Challenges, it
has seen competition, but the vehicle has been well-kept
and professionally maintained.
Well suited for continued amateur racing outings,
this wonderfully presented F355 Challenge represents a
rare breed of exclusive factory-prepared Ferrari racing
cars, offered here at a very reasonable price.
36
he Ferrari F355 Challenge described here has been
in the same ownership in Spain since new. It was
last campaigned during the 1998–99 season, when
it competed in the Spanish GT Championship,
SCM Analysis This car sold for $54,696, including
buyer's premium, at RM's
Automobiles of London auction on October 29, 2008.
In late 1992, Ferrari hosted an event at its Mugello
race track in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the
250 GTO. At the event, F1 pilot Jean Alesi did a couple
of hot laps in a curiously modified 348. Later that day
it was announced that the car was a 348 Challenge and
that it would be the basis of an exclusive new racing
series organized by Ferrari for its clients.
The 348 Challenge featured stock Ferrari 348s
equally prepared with a full complement of safety
equipment and just enough mechanical modification to
allow them to stand up to the rigors of real competition.
A national series was to be held in Ferrari's major markets,
with the winners of those series meeting at Mugello
for an international championship race.
Longest-running manufacturer's race series
Thirty-five official 348 Challenge race cars showed
up at Spa the next spring for the first race, and 15 years
later the series is still going strong. Fueled by Ferrari's
1995 F355 Spider
Lot# 683, s/nZFFPR48A1S0103479
Condition 2Sold
at $71,920
Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, FL, 3/29/2006
SCM# 41249
1995 F355 Berlinetta
Lot# 260243401562, s/n ZFFPR41A6S0100479
Condition 2Sold
at $42,000
eBay Motors, 5/28/2008
SCM# 116896
1999 F355 Spider
Lot# 499, s/n ZFFXR48A7X0116235
Condition 2Sold
at $110,060
Kruse, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 1/8/2005
SCM# 36840
Sports Car Market
Photos: RM Auctions

Page 35

dedication to the series and its ability to attract drivers
and sponsors, the Ferrari Challenge, as it is now called,
is probably the longest-running manufacturer-sponsored
race series of all time.
In 1995, the F355 Challenge model was introduced.
The F355 wasn't just a warmed-up 348; it was a major
redesign of its not-too-shabby predecessor. The experience
of 1,800 hours of wind tunnel testing helped to
make major aerodynamic advancements on both the
top and bottom of the car. The latter was accomplished
with a combination of panels that controlled the airflow
underneath. This adaptation of racing technology almost
seemed overkill on a street car, but it dramatically demonstrated
Ferrari's commitment to making the best sports
cars in the world.
Weighing in at less than 3,000 pounds and powered by
Seat Time
Jim Griffin, Ladera Ranch, CA: I currently own a 1995 Ferrari 355B, s/n 103344. While it is
not in full Challenge spec, the reason I bought this year was the belief that the '95 model had the
“Challenge” motor. I have been led to believe that the emission controls and air intakes provided more
horsepower on this particular model than the later years of the 355.
My car has the Tubi competition muffler with a one-off header system to remedy the poor quality
factory headers—most 355s will be finding themselves in need of this fix about now, based on the age
of these cars. The power band on my 355 is user friendly, allowing for virtually linear power delivery
as you accelerate—no lag from turbos, no hitting a certain rpm before the real whoosh comes on. Just
plain acceleration that seems to climb as long as you keep your foot in it.
Many people believe the 355 was a key turning point in the recent history of Ferrari, a mass-mar-
a 380-hp, 8,500-rpm 3.5-liter V8, the F355 left the 3,300pound
300-hp 348 in its dust. The 4.9-second 0–60 mph
and 13.3-second quarter-mile times are far from world
class today, but these were outstanding numbers for the
era. Two seconds faster around Ferrari's Fiorano test
track than a 512TR, the F355 was a natural racer.
The car was so potent that in addition to the obligatory safety equipment, Ferrari
decided the Challenge version needed hard-bushed suspension arms, upgraded brakes
with extra ventilation and high-performance brake lines, a competition clutch, and
even a large rear wing. Nonetheless, the package was so extensive that Ferrari sold
the Challenge version of the F355 for race only, noting the cars could not be titled for
street use.
The original theme of the Challenge series was a kind of high-end grass roots rac-
ing: amateur drivers testing each other in theoretically identical Ferraris. Preparation
and support of the cars was to be done by the driver's local franchised Ferrari dealers.
The series quickly morphed into something different, as drivers discovered that
all dealers were not equal. Doing a major service on a street car and getting the most
performance out of a race car are two very different things. The dealers with racing
experience clearly fielded faster cars.
$20,000 or $25,000 weekends were commonplace
By the time the F355 Challenge came out, Challenge drivers were shopping dealers
for one who could provide them the best Challenge experience. For some drivers, that
experience was having the fastest car; for others it might be driver tutoring; and for
yet others it meant the best hospitality. Drivers often left their cars with a dealer half a
continent away, not seeing the car until the next race. This luxury didn't come cheap:
$20,000 or $25,000 race weekends were commonplace, and that's plus the cost of a car
and any substantial accident damage.
Racing by definition is hard on a car, and in a series as competitive as the Ferrari
Challenge, car condition is readily sacrificed to move up a position. Touching fenders is
common and serious wrecks are not unusual. There aren't many virgin Challenge cars,
but there are a few dogs. A replaced fender is nothing to worry about, but a twisted
ket supercar with decent build quality that you could drive every day. While some of the interior pieces
don't quite hold up to the highest standard, I do think the 355 was a big step in the right direction for
Ferrari at the time.
As a side note, Publisher Martin and I exchanged views on the value of this car shortly after I
purchased it at auction. His view at the time (July 2004, “You Write,” p. 18) was that this car would
decline in value by over 50% in the coming years. January marks the five-year anniversary of my
purchase, and when compared to my stock portfolio over that same period… Let's just say the Ferrari's
slight decline in value looks pretty good right about now.
unibody can be terminal. A Challenge car with a clean
history is more desirable than a beat-up car with podium
finishes.
Our subject car appears to have been raced for two
seasons, about nine years ago. It was represented as being
“race prepared,” though it's not clear if that is the current
condition or the former condition. There's no mention of
a spares package or any previous damage. Curiously, it
appears to have been campaigned by a private team in a
Spanish GT series rather than the Challenge series. The sale
price was around $10,000 under the low pre-sale estimate.
That may be an indicator of condition or, more likely, a reflection
of the thin market for retired Challenge cars.
It has been many years since 355s were eligible for
racing in the Challenge series. They are too old for most
other forms of organized racing and not old enough for
most vintage racing series. They are not streetable and
not a first choice as a collector car. Until recently, buyers'
enjoyment of a 355 Challenge was limited to participation
in track days and driving schools.
As more racetrack country clubs are opening, an
F355 Challenge might be a great option for turning a few
fast laps after work. Seriously fast, reasonably safe, and
affordable to operate, an F355 Challenge has a limited
appeal, but it returns a lot of fun for the money. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)
March 2009
37

Page 36

Sheehan Speaks Michael Sheehan
How Many Ferraris?
There are about 37,400 Ferraris in the U.S., which gives the Ferrari Club of
America ample room to add to its reported 5,000 existing members
differently in the current economy.
But I didn't go into how many Ferraris exist and
I
where they are, which elicited a request from Chris
Current, Chief Judge of the Ferrari Club of America,
asking in part:
1. How many “old” or “classic” Ferraris, say 1975
and earlier, are there in the U.S.?
2. How many mid-range Ferraris, say from 1976
through the 328, are there in the U.S.?
3. We're also looking for whatever new car info you
might have.
He came to the right place
The answer to the Enzo-era cars, which end with the
last of the 365 GTB/4s and 246 series, in mid-1973, is
easy enough.
For the sake of round numbers, the 365 GTB/4
Daytona ended production about s/n 17000, and every
other GT Ferrari (odd serial numbers only) was a street
car, so figure 8,500 cars from the first of the street 166s
to the last Daytona. Add in another 3,700 Dinos, for a
total of 12,200 street and GT racers.
The even-numbered race cars end with s/n 896, the
last of the 312 PBs, so about 448 pure race cars were
built, plus another 50 racers with unique s/n sequence,
such as the 206 SPs (s/n 002–036) and 512Ms (1002–
1050), for a total of about 500 even-numbered racers and
sport racers. Total for the Enzo era is about 12,700 cars.
Extrapolating from 2+2s
I belong to a group of obsessive-compulsive Ferrari
historians, and within our group are aficionados who
track individual Ferrari models. So I asked for a breakdown
of the cars they track, by country. As an example of
the detailed information within the group, Bill Preston,
who runs the 250 GTE registry, had detailed information
on 777 of the 961 250 GTEs, with 184 as black holes
in his database.
The U.S. has by far the greatest number of 250 GTEs,
with 324. England follows with 79, the Swiss with 76,
France with 53, and down the charts we went. Numbers
add up, however, and collectively, the 27 countries that
make up the European Economic Union have 370 Ferrari
250 GTEs. With 777 known and 324 in the U.S., about
42% of 250 GTE 2+2 production is in the U.S.
Moving to Kerry Chesbro and his 330 GT registry
(www.330gt.com), there were 50 330 Americas, 503
four-headlight Series I 330 2+2s, 124 interim 330 2+2s
with four headlights and a 5-speed, and 460 Series II
two-headlight 330 2+2s… for a total of 1,137 cars, with
712 known.
Of the 712 cars known still to be in existence in 1990,
297 are in the U.S. That's about 42% of the known 330
38
1957 Ferrari 500 TRC, rare even among the Enzo-era cars
2+2 production. Extrapolate that out to all of the Enzo-era cars built from 1947 to the
last of the 365 GTB/4s and 246 GTSs, and again you come up with about 12,700 cars.
About 43% of them—5,500 cars—are in the U.S.
Fiat ups production, but keeps track
The Fiat-era cars are less convoluted, as the days of one-offs and small runs of
pure racers had ended. Additionally, Ferrari published annual production figures and
provided the U.S. sales numbers, making the job easier.
The Fiat-era cars started in mid 1973 with s/n 17185, the first of the 365 BBs, and
went up to s/n 75001 using odd serial numbers only, for a run of about 28,900 cars.
From s/n 75001 onward, both odd and even numbers were used, with the Fiat era
ending during the overlap of the last of the 348s, s/n 99934, or the first of the 355s,
starting with s/n 98395.
Using s/n 98395 as the dividing line for the first of the Montezemolo-era cars, the
Fiat-era Ferraris ended their production run using every s/n from 75001 to 98395,
for another 23,394 Ferraris. Adding 28,900 and 23,394, we get some number around
52,000 Fiat-era Ferraris.
Many of the Fiat-era cars, such as the 365 BB, 512 BB and 512 BBi, 365 GT/4, 400i,
and 412, were never intended for the U.S. market, so lower percentages were sold new
into the U.S., and others were imported as used cars. For example, in 1982, when only
the 308 was U.S.-legal, Ferrari built 2,209 cars, of which only 686, or just 30%, were
U.S. cars.
Fast forward to 1985 through 1989, a time when Ferrari had the hot-selling U.S.-
legal Testarossa, 308, and 328. But in 1985, of 3,288 cars built by Ferrari, only 624,
or 19%, were U.S.-spec cars. In 1988, Ferrari's first year to hit 4,001 cars built, only
1,079, or 26%, were U.S. models. Overall, of the 52,000 Fiat-era cars built, only about
13,000, or about 25%, were US models.
Montezemolo's revenge
The Montezemolo cars start in 1991 at about s/n 98395, and the highest VINs are
in the 165500 s/n range, for a total of about 67,500 cars built. While the U.S. once
dominated the world's economies and absorbed the largest proportion of Ferrari sales,
Sports Car Market
n my two previous columns, I divided Ferraris
into the Enzo-era cars (1947–73), the Fiat-era cars
(1973–91), and the Montezemolo-era cars (1991–
present), and I outlined how each generation fared

Page 37

288 GTO, flagship of the Fiat days
we are now in a far more global market. The final 2007 numbers are not in, but Ferrari
notes 5,700 units sold worldwide in 2006, with 1,635 of them in North America.
Canadian sales are small, so reckon on about 28% of current production coming to
the U.S.
With 67,500 Montezemolo-era Ferraris built, and 28% sold new in the U.S., that
equates to about 19,000 newer Ferraris in this country.
The U.S. total comes to 5,500 Enzo-era Ferraris, 13,000 Fiat-era Ferraris, and
another 18,900 Montezemolo-era Ferraris, for a total of about 37,400 Ferraris in the
U.S. That gives the Ferrari Club of America ample room to add to its reported 5,000
existing members, although I understand that number has dwindled to 4,700 in the last
few months.
Enzo, Montezemolo's supercar
As I was wrapping up this column, Bill Preston
recommended a new and fastidiously well-researched
book, Handbuch der Ferrari Seriennummern, by
Matthias Urban, written in both English and German
(in the same book). Within 979 pages of fine print covering
serial numbers from 001 up through 152537 (a 2007
599 GTB Fiorano), Urban lists not only the car built, but
also the cars not built. Alas, time constraints (and my
pay scale) mean that cross-checking about 35,000 serial
numbers to find cars that were not built will have to wait
for another column. ♦
March 2009
39

Page 38

English Profile
1976 Lotus Esprit S1
Even if the “real”—or “other,” if you prefer—Lotus appeared in most of the
action shots, we can fairly say this car has Bond film provenance
by Paul Hardiman
Details
Years produced: 1975–78
Number produced: 714
Original list price: £5,844 ($11,980)
SCM Waluation: Without Bond,
$10,000–$20,000 (with Bond, add
$100,000)
Tune-up cost: $450
Distributor cap: $9
Chassis #: Plate riveted to inner panel
under front lid, left side of car
Engine #: On milled flat surface just
forward of bellhousing, under inlet cam
Club: Club Lotus
58 Malthouse Court
Dereham, Norfolk
NR20 4UA
More: www.club-lotus.co.uk; www
.lotusownersclub.com
Chassis number: 76090187G
T
he Lotus Esprit was unveiled as the Silver Car
concept at the Turin Motor Show in November
1972. Based on a Europa twin-cam chassis, it was
developed into the first Esprit prototype, displayed
at the 1973 Geneva salon.
It would be another three years before the first cus-
tomer cars were delivered. Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro
had wanted to call the car Kiwi, but Lotus management
was intent on a name beginning with the letter E, as is
Lotus tradition. A trawl through the dictionary came up
with Esprit.
This Esprit is one of two complete, fully functioning
cars that were used for the driving scenes in the motion
picture “The Spy Who Loved Me,” starring Roger
Moore as secret agent James Bond, 007. Approximately
nine Esprits were used in different guises, but bar these
two, the rest were shells, some of which were used in
filming the Esprit's transformation into a submersible.
Once submerged, the Esprit was represented by a radiocontrolled
model.
The Esprit offered here was used in the scene where
Q drives off the ferry in Sardinia, instructs Bond in its
operation, and the car is then driven away by Bond and
his companion, agent Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach).
Roger Becker, now Director of Engineering at Lotus,
drove this car in the chase scene and confirmed its identity
to trimmer Nick Fulcher, when he visited Fulcher's
workshop during the car's recent restoration.
This is the only one of the two fully functioning
Esprits with the missile launching button on the gearshift
and the special revised housing for the clock/periscope
screen. The car was taken directly off the production
line and sent to Pinewood Studios, where it was trimmed
by Fulcher, who removed the colorful tartan headrests,
which reflected on the actors' faces. He changed them
to plain green.
40
As well as the quayside scene, this Esprit was con-
verted for use as a camera car in filming the dramatic
chase along the Sardinian mountain roads, there being
no alternative vehicle available that could keep up with
the other one.
After the movie's completion, the car was dis-
patched to Lotus and put back on the production line
to be returned to standard trim and sold. The mounting
for the clock was removed, the seats and headrests were
returned to standard, the engine was serviced, and a
black Lotus badge was put on. This ex-Bond Esprit later
passed into German ownership, its last long-term owner
carrying out a mechanical restoration.
When the current owner acquired the car it was
German-registered and had an incorrect interior, so
Fulcher was commissioned to return the interior to the
specification as used in the movie. Fortunately, he still
had supplies of the original cloth and sufficient original
carpet to trim just one car. (When the interior was
stripped, some of the original carpet was found stuck to
the transmission tunnel). Fulcher painstakingly restored
the interior, and a photographic record of this is in the
file. The seats were stripped back to the bare frames,
the correct extruded aluminum trim was made, an original
and correct VDO clock was sourced and mounted
between the sun visors, an original Motorola radio was
fitted, and he even found a spare missile launch button in
his stores. The $22,185 end result is a credit to Fulcher's
craftsmanship.
Of all the many hundreds of “movie cars,” none is
more desirable than the exclusive band with a James
Bond connection, examples of which are rarely offered
for sale. This faithfully restored Esprit is offered with a
history file containing copies of the factory records (annotated
“007”), assorted photographs of the restoration,
and an owner's manual (for a Series 2).
Alternatives: 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS (“Magnum,
P.I.”), 1973 Corvette Stingray (“Corvette
Summer”), 1967 Lotus Elan S3 (“The
Avengers”)
SCM Investment Grade: C
Comps
1978 Lotus Esprit S2 JPS
Lot# 58, s/n 78100461G
Condition 2+
Sold at $33,669
H&H, Cheltenham, UK, 2/21/2006
SCM# 41339
1976 Lotus Esprit S1 James Bond
Lot# 89, s/n 76070122G
Condition 2
Sold at $52,937
Coys, Silverstone, UK, 7/24/1998
SCM# 22460
1979 Lotus Esprit S2 JPS
Lot# 208, s/n 79060188S
Condition 4Sold
at $12,075
Cox, Branson, MO, 4/26/2002
SCM# 28130
Sports Car Market
Bonhams

Page 39

SCM Analysis This car sold
for $165,020,
including buyer's premium, at the
Bonhams sale at Olympia, London,
on December 1, 2008.
Timed as the new 007 movie
“Quantum of Solace” brought
James Bond back into the public
eye, the sale of the classic white
sports car “attracted worldwide attention,”
said Bonhams, and it was
bought by a private U.S. collector
bidding on the telephone against a
number of people in the saleroom.
The new owner described himself
as both a Lotus and James Bond
aficionado, and said the car would
be going to Atlanta, Georgia.
This was one of two complete
Esprits used in the filming of “The
Spy Who Loved Me.” In the movie,
using a combination of empty shells
and scale models, Bond's Lotus
turned into an amphibious car. In
one of its more memorable scenes,
Roger Moore drives out of the sea
and up a beach, pausing only—complete
with cocked eyebrow—to drop
a fish out of the window (though
how it got in there without Moore's
drowning is unexplained).
The other car is still in a Keswick museum
During filming of the dramatic Lotus vs. helicopter chase sequences in Sardinia,
this car was used as camera car for the other, which got most of the screen time. That
car, PPW306R, was retained by Lotus and sold off in company with several other prototypes
in 1998. It was bought for $52,937 by Peter Nelson, proprietor of the Cars of
the Stars Museum in Keswick, in the north of England. It remains there, still registered
PPW306R as in the film.
The car here is said to be the one used for the tradi-
tional set-piece in which Q hands over Bond's new car
and shows him the gadgets. Who's to tell exactly which
car appeared in which scene, as swapping the plates
would only have taken minutes. Bonhams is a bit optimistic
with its description here, as this is most likely not
the true “star car,”but even if the “real”—or “other,”
if you prefer—PPW appeared in most of the
action shots, we can fairly say this car has
Bond film provenance.
It looks as though it has spent its recent
life as a display car, hurriedly cosmetically
restored, although the interior has been
nicely retrimmed to film specification. The
body, though uncrazed and with good panel
fit, appeared various shades of white under
the strip lighting at Olympia, and the rubber
side mouldings, which hide the join between
the top and bottom halves of the fiberglass
body, are coming away at the rear.
Curiously, the rear suspension is painted
in various primary colors, like a Benetton
race car. The period and model-correct
Wolfrace alloys are in good shape and
the motor is clean and tidy, though not
concours.
Bond provenance can be accurately
calculated here, as the best early S1 Esprits
can be bought for about $15,000, and this car
went for eleven times that. Though Nelson
feels the price was on the low side, I'd call
this well sold. Market neither shaken nor
stirred… ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of
Bonhams.)
March 2009
41
www.007magazine.co.uk
www.007magazine.co.uk

Page 40

English Patient Austin-Healey 100S
THE One in a 100
The Austin-Healey 100S was promoted as “Built for Racing, by Racing
Specialists,” and it outpaces all other Healeys
by Reid Trummel
Of the 50 cars produced,
45 were blue and white
The signature color scheme of the 100S was American
racing colors of white and blue, perhaps in an attempt to
appeal to the American market. Of the 50 examples produced,
45 were painted Old English White and Lobelia
Blue, with two cars painted red, one painted Spruce
Green for actor Jackie Cooper, one painted black, and
one produced in solid white with a wide blue stripe for
Briggs Cunningham. All 100Ss were right-hand drive,
even though half were exported to the U.S. and just six
were sold in the U.K. The rest were sent worldwide,
including one to Tanzania (then Tanganyika) and one to
Madagascar. The Madagascar car is still unaccounted
for.
The 100S achieved many racing successes, but it was
never a world-beater. It was built for affluent weekend
racers, and perhaps its most notable achievement came
in 1954 when one finished third overall in the 12 Hours
of Sebring. From that race it got its name—the “S” in
100S stands for Sebring.
Despite a distinguished racing career, by the 1960s
Most were white and blue
Company with financing from Austin. The goal was to develop Austin-Healeys for
racing and record-breaking purposes, and though outwardly similar to the 100 and
100M, each 100S was hand-built.
Not counting prototypes, 50 were made in five batches of ten during 1955. As with
T
the standard 100 model, Jensen built and trimmed the bodies, but these 50 bodies
were then delivered directly to the tiny Donald Healey Motor Company in the English
Midlands town of Warwick. Assembled in WWII Quonset huts without automation or
even adequate heating, the 100S differed from the 100 and 100M in many ways.
The body and substructure were aluminum (only the front and rear shrouds were
aluminum on production Austin-Healeys), there were Dunlop disc brakes all around
(the 100 and 100M had drum brakes), trim was minimal (no bumpers), and there was
no “weather equipment”—the nomenclature used to describe the pitiful folding top
and side curtains of the other 100s. The 100S was promoted as “Built for Racing, by
Racing Specialists,” and it wasn't just hype.
The engine set the 100S apart. Retaining the basic Austin A-90 motor of the standard
cars, the 100S had a unique Harry Weslake-designed cross-flow head with individual
porting that placed the dual SU carburetors on the right side of the car, opposite that of
the production cars. It also had a finned alloy combined oil cooler and filter, and unlike
the standard 100 and 100M, all of which had a Laycock de Normanville overdrive, the
100S had a 2.92:1 axle ratio, making an overdrive superfluous. The 100S produced
132 hp, compared to 90 hp for the standard car and 110 hp for the 100M, giving the
already-light car quick if not neck-snapping performance.
42
he Austin-Healey 100S is undoubtedly the most prized model of the marque,
with prices far exceeding any other model. While Healey prices have risen significantly
in the past few years, the 100S remains clearly in the lead.
The 100S was the result of a project undertaken by the Donald Healey Motor
the 100S was no longer competitive. Some disappeared
and some were the victims of extensive modification
and casual crash repair. However, that picture has now
changed and today the cars that exist are well-documented
and most often expertly restored.
Ask these guys before you write a check
Australian Joe Jarick has done much to preserve
these cars. A 100S owner and leading historian, he
made an in-depth study of these cars in the early 1970s
while living in England. At that time, the Donald Healey
Motor Company records were still intact and the 100S
builders and racers were still around.
Another dedicated 100S man is Ken Freese, for-
merly an owner, now keeper of the registry established
by Jarick in 1970. Freese keeps up with ownership and
identifies fakes.
Perhaps the most notable restorer is Australian
Steve Pike, who operates Marsh Classic Restorations
in Australia. Pike has personally restored 17 100Ss and
been involved with three others. He travels the world
providing expertise and assistance.
There are also two Americans with extensive 100S
restoration experience. Tom Kovacs owns and operates
the Fourintune Garage in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He has
restored four 100Ss, including the Jackie Cooper car.
Craig Hillinger, a 100S owner himself, operates The
Healey Werks in Lawton, Iowa, and is currently restoring
one 100S and researching another.
There is little these men do not know about the his-
tory, restoration, maintenance, and whereabouts of the
42 remaining 100S cars (of the 50 made, three are still
Sports Car Market

Page 41

132 horses lurking in there
missing and five are known to have been written off).
Anyone contemplating a 100S would be wise to ask their
assistance before writing a check.
100S Healeys rarely make it to auction
Prices for the 100S have paced the overall rise in
Austin-Healey values, and 100Ss rarely make it to auction.
Jarick paid $500 for his first 100S (chassis 3701)
in 1970, and the same car was sold in 2008—by the
fourth subsequent owner—for the Australian equivalent
of $563,000. As a shorter-term investment, recent
years have been equally kind, as demonstrated by the
purchase just two years ago of one of the non-Works cars
(chassis 3603) for $235,000, and its sale in March 2008
for $472,000. It was offered by its American owner, and
the English buyer was found within 48 hours.
“S” for Sebring
Everything you need and nothing more
Other notable 100S sales include two of the few remaining unrestored examples. In
the past year, Craig Hillinger both bought and sold the second one built (chassis 3502)
for $500,000. Last year Hillinger bought another unrestored car (chassis 3804) from a
private estate for $400,000. Although the car is in need of a total restoration, it has a
particularly interesting history, and with prices headed upwards, it would be difficult
to say that he paid too much, perhaps just bought too soon. Hillinger is also restoring
chassis 3706 for a customer.
Jarick has always maintained that the 100S is undervalued. He comments, “Where
else can you find a Works-built, limited-production sports racing car that successfully
ran in World Sports Car Championship events for that type of money? Compare the
price of a 100S with that of a D-type or C-type Jaguar, and think of a 100S coming in
close on the heels of these cars. Why is a 100S a fraction of their cost? Consider that in
its day, a well-driven 100S would lap at the same speed as an Aston Martin DB3S. As
the prices of 100Ss have increased, they have moved out of the reach of enthusiasts and
are now owned by more wealthy collectors who suspect the car is potentially worth a
lot more than they paid for it.” ♦
March 2009
43

Page 42

Etceterini & Friends Profile
1977 Maserati Merak SS
The Merak gives an air of confidence and power, which is quintessentially
Italian. But if you like the looks, why not get the power and buy a Bora instead?
by Donald Osborne
Details
Years produced: 1977–83 (SS)
Number produced: 600 approx. (SS)
Original list price: $29,800
SCM Valuation: $15,000–$23,000
Tune-up cost: $750
Distributor caps: $100
Chassis #: On rear suspension upper
support beam
Engine #: Stamping on engine
bellhousing
Club: Maserati Club International,
PO Box 1015
Mercer Island, WA 98040
More: www.maseratinet.com
Alternatives: 1977 Ferrari 308 GT4,
1977 Lamborghini Urraco P300,
1977 Alfa Romeo Montreal
SCM Investment Grade: D
Comps
Chassis no. AM122US2238
I
n the world of auto design, the Italians are the acknowledged
masters, and Giorgetto Giugiaro will
always be at the top of the list. In 1968, Giugiaro established
Italdesign and by 1972, when he designed
the Maserati Bora and the Merak, he was recognized
internationally. The lines of the Merak are among his
most pleasing. It is beautiful from every angle and photogenic
to a fault.
In 1975, Alessandro DeTomaso purchased Maserati
from Citroën. The Merak reached its zenith in the form
of the SS, with improvements including the replacement
of the hydraulics from the Citroën SM with conventional
coil-over shocks and A-frames. The transmission was a
reliable ZF unit used on the much more powerful and
heavier Bora.
Improvements were made to the ergonomics, and the
elimination of the SM hydraulic suspension and tweaks
to the frame design resulted in a weight reduction of
over 300 pounds. With its larger 220-hp, 3-liter engine,
the SS had a top speed of over 140 mph and reasonable
fuel consumption in an ever-more fuel-conscious world.
It fulfilled its promise as a reasonably priced supercar
that could be driven with confidence.
The Merak offered here is perhaps one of the finest.
It has had only two owners, both in Texas, and has no
previous rust or collision damage. It has always been
garaged and has traveled fewer than 25,000 miles from
new. It is fitted with factory air conditioning. This car
has its original interior featuring tobacco leather. Other
than a bare-metal respray to concours standards in the
original Bright White and cosmetics such as wheel
refinishing, engine tune, new factory exhaust, and com-
44
prehensive detailing, this fabulous car is true to form
and entirely unaltered.
The Merak SS has recently begun to come into its
own in the eyes of collectors. For someone looking to
add a rapidly appreciating, later-generation, performance-minded
Maserati to his collection, this Merak SS
offers a tremendous opportunity to achieve that dream.
SCM Analysis This car sold for $31,900, including
buyer's premium, at the Worldwide
Group's Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction held
November 1, 2008.
For readers who might be concerned that we at SCM
spend too much time writing about cars only the wealthiest
can afford, relax. Since I wrote last month about
an Italian sports car sold at the Worldwide Group's
November auction for $300,000, this month I'll cover
one which brought $30,000.
Along with the Mexico and the Indy, the Merak is one
of the “forgotten” Maseratis. Almost identical in looks
to the powerful V8 Bora, it served as both an “entrylevel”
model for the Modenese marque, as well as a way
to amortize the cost of the V6 created for the Citroën
SM. In a reversal of the situation in the'60s, when every
Maserati handily outsold its Ferrari equivalent, more
of the hard-to-sell 308 GT4s were pushed out of Ferrari
showrooms than Meraks by Maserati dealers.
That Maserati was able to sell approximately 1,800
Meraks in the 1970s, a time when manufacturers around
the world were reeling from the pressures of safety
legislation, energy concerns, and economic uncertainty,
is certainly impressive. However, Ferrari and
1974 Maserati Merak SS
Lot# 555, s/n AM112U51398
Condition 3Sold
at $23,850
Cox, Branson, MO, 4/20/2007
SCM# 44979
1983 Maserati Merak SS
Lot# 544, s/n 460516
Condition 3
Sold at $28,463
Bonhams, Hendon, UK, 4/21/2008
SCM# 116544
1979 Maserati Merak SS
Lot# 180070396749, s/n AM122AUS2522
Condition 3Sold
at $19,950
eBay Motors, 5/28/2007
SCM# 45324
Sports Car Market
Photos: The Worldwide Group

Page 43

Lamborghini offered the V8 308 GT4 and Urraco
for the same $30,000 Maserati was asking for the
V6 Merak.
Why not go for V8 power in the Bora?
In addition, in 1977 potential buyers could still
also choose a Porsche 911S for around $16,000
with a newly galvanized chassis—if anyone cared
about that in a GT. So why would anyone want
a Merak, then or now? Without doubt, the Bora/
Merak is good looking, acknowledged as a great
example of Giugiaro's work, a wonderful mixture
of '60s voluptuousness with just enough '70s edge.
They also give an air of butch confidence and
power, which is quintessentially Italian. But if you
like the looks, why not go for the power to match
them and buy a Bora instead? Gas mileage?
Even when gasoline in the U.S. was at or over
$4 a gallon, you don't buy an Italian thoroughbred
based on the EPA numbers. So, is the Merak
an unsung hidden bargain or is it cheap because
no one cares for a good reason?
First, many collectors have been wrongly
scared off from Maseratis of the Citroën era due
to fear of the hydraulic systems employed in some
models. This is totally unjustified today, with the
current knowledge and experience available.
Nevertheless, for cars built after the DeTomaso
takeover, such as the Merak SS, it's irrelevant.
I personally think the SM dashboard in the
earlier cars is much more interesting—even with
the oval dials and idiot lights—than the random
assortment of boxes and cubes that replaced it.
But the new panel is the visible manifestation of
the re-Italianization of the brand.
The Merak, in either version, is a pleasure to
drive, well-balanced and capable of impressive performance, if you don't compare it
back to back with its big brother Bora. It does not have the flexibility of the Urraco,
or the handling, pace, or ride of the 308 GT4, but it does
have without a doubt the best looks in the group.
The “flying buttresses” give the shape a graceful-
ness the Bora's heavier rear quarter lacks, and the
simple detailing stands the test of time. Cars such as the
Merak SS are practical to own and use, as they are essentially
modern vehicles, and the V6 has the advantage
over some rivals in employing timing chains rather than
belts. That said, attention must be paid to the tensioner,
of course.
As for the catalog reference to “rapid appreciation,”
it should be noted that while values of Maseratis have
been steadily rising for the past few years, the Merak has
basically been in a holding pattern in the mid $20,000
area since 1995. The sale of this example—stated to be
“one of the finest”—at just over $30,000 makes sense at
the top of that range. The estimated $35,000–$45,000 is
where hopefuls have been looking for the Merak to go.
Which it might, in another ten years.
So to answer the question I posed further up the
page, the Merak is an unsung bargain. Many don't care,
because they don't know any better. If you want one of
the last of the truly characterful Maseratis, a car equally
at home on a drive to the movies or a 1,000-mile rally,
you could do much worse than a Merak SS. However, as
an appreciating asset, it's still an iffy proposition. Buy
it for the drive, not as a future investment. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide
Group.)
March 2009
45

Page 44

German Profile
1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster
This price is good news for anyone who wants to enjoy a very special
example of the most bulletproof 911
by Rob Sass
Details
Years produced: 1989
Number produced: 2,065
Original list price: $69,800
SCM Valuation: $45,000–$55,000
Tune-up cost: $600
Distributor cap: $50
Chassis #: Stamped in horizontal bulkhead
aft of gas tank and door jamb
Engine #: Stamped vertically on engine
case on passenger side of engine
cooling fan
Club: Porsche Club of America
5530 Edgemont Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
More: www.pca.org
Alternatives: 1983–86 Aston Martin Volante,
1990–92 Ferrari 348 ts,
1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
convertible
SCM Investment Grade: C
Comps
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
Lot# 30, s/n WPOZZZ91ZK5151747
Condition 1
Sold at $85,936
Chassis number: WP0222912KS151096
W
ith the introduction of the 911 Speedster,
Porsche revived a charismatic model from
its past, the name previously applied to that
most stylish of the many Type 356 variants.
Based on the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, though normally
aspirated, the 3.2-liter Speedster was launched immediately
prior to the introduction of the new Type 964
bodyshell, and thus was the last 911 model to feature the
“old style” body.
The latter was reworked by chief stylist Tony Lapine,
incorporating numerous references to the original 356
Speedster, as well as a pair of controversial “camel
hump” cowlings behind the seats that concealed the
stow-away manual top. One of the rarest of the 911 family,
the 911 Speedster was built during 1989 only, a mere
2,102 cars being completed.
This 911 Speedster is one of only 63 right-hand-drive
examples supplied new to the U.K. market. The car was
exported by its first owner to the U.S., where it joined the
823 Speedsters sold there new. However, it didn't exactly
join the other cars, as despite an additional rear brake light
being fitted, it remained in enforced storage, being noncompliant
with America's more stringent emissions laws.
Its second owner brought the Speedster back to the U.K.
Finished in Anthracite with tan leather interior; the car
46
has covered just over 10,000 miles from new and remains
in excellent, unmarked condition throughout.
SCM Analysis This attractive Porsche sold for
$57,572, including buyer's premium,
at the Bonhams Olympia sale in London on December
1, 2008.
The 911 Speedster, like the Mercedes McLaren SLR
profiled in the October 2008 issue of SCM (p. 42), illustrates
the folly of “instant collectability.” When new,
at the height of the 1989–90 bubble market, many of
these cars sold in excess of $100,000. By 1991, they were
worth considerably less.
That's bad news for any chumpstein still holding on
to one bought in '89 for more than list, but good news
for anyone who wants to enjoy a very special example
of the most bulletproof 911. The 3.2-liter Carrera was
the Goldilocks of air-cooled 911s—everything was just
right. Not too complicated like the 964 and 993, but all of
the major issues with the earlier cars like rust, head stud
failure, and timing chain tensioners had been solved.
The last two years of the Carrera added the improved
G50 gearbox, larger dash vents, and better a/c. Wider
wheels and tires mitigated the dreaded trailing throttle
oversteer somewhat. Although not likely to be an issue
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
Lot# T287, s/n WPOEB0913K5173174
Condition 3
Sold at $50,600
Kruse, Hershey, PA, 10/9/2003
SCM# 36452
B&G, Melbourne, AUS, 3/7/2005
SCM# 37617
1989 Porsche 930 Convertible
Lot# 1580.1, s/n WPO6EB093KS070531
Condition 1Sold
at $55,000
Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale, AZ, 1/12/2008
SCM# 48811
Sports Car Market
Bonhams

Page 45

with any Speedster, these are heirloom quality cars that
with care, will do 250,000 miles or more between overhauls.
The charismatic Speedster added a low windshield,
a simpler (and less insulated and weatherproof) but
more rakish manual convertible top, and a fiberglass
tonneau not unlike that found on a Thunderbird Sports
Roadster a generation before. While not standard equipment,
1,894 Speedsters were ordered with option M-491,
the factory wide body. It suits the looks of the car well,
although the added 90 pounds of weight is at odds with
the lightweight Speedster ethos.
Taken to the U.S. and promptly impounded
The Anthracite and tan color scheme was a welcome
change from the usual Guards Red, black, or silver.
Odd, however, was the fact that this RHD example was
imported to the U.S. early in its life, where it acquired
a distinctly unattractive third taillight. It was then impounded,
as the extra brake light obviously did not fool
the eagle-eyed bureaucrats at the DOT and EPA as to its
non-DOT/EPA origins; they might also have been alerted
by the placement of the steering wheel.
The 911 Speedster market has done little in the last
ten years. A car with particularly low miles like the one
sold at Amelia Island in 2000 and profiled in the May
2000 issue of SCM might do 20% more, but this likely
represents market price for now... and for the foreseeable
future. Since they were almost all bought as an “investment”
initially, few have accumulated more than 10,000
miles.
One of the principal reasons 911s have been so successful
is the overwhelming practicality packaged with
Hartbrodt's Speedster
Seat Time
Rick Hartbrodt, Monterey, CA: I have
owned a 1989 Porsche Speedster for about half
a year. It has 21,000 miles on the clock and is
always garaged. I love the cool cowl and low
windows, and the car is a great runner. If there
is anything to dislike on the car, I sure haven't
found it.
Stephen H. Ross, Calgary, Alberta,
CAN: I used to store a 1994 Porsche Speedster
during the winters for a friend. It was a special
order from the factory, with RUF exhaust,
beefed-up suspension, Recaro seats, and more. Two years ago, my friend relented to my constant pressure
and sold it to me. I am the third owner and there are a meager 10,200 km on the clock.
In Speed Yellow, this car is as much fun to look at as it is to drive. The stiffer suspension makes it
extremely nimble, and the RUF exhaust plays a symphony with every tap of the right pedal. The car has
been a worry-free, trouble-free joy to have. It is equally at home on the track as it is on the concours lawn.
The 911 Speedster is an often-overlooked variant of the 911. However, while I would like to own a newer
911 as a companion to my Speedster, a different 911 would never be a replacement for it.
performance. These are cars that can be driven to work without worry, and over time,
the comfort and accessibility encourage frequent use. The Speedster takes away a chunk
of that practicality and as a result, whether in its 356, 911 Carrera, or final 1993–94 C2
version, it has never been a high-volume seller.
Since it is highly unlikely that 911 Carrera Speedster prices will approach their
1989–90 levels anytime soon, it seems reasonable for owners to start putting miles on
these distinctive cars and use them as they were intended. In other words, as a driver
this was well bought; as an investment, it was well sold. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
March 2009
47

Page 46

American Barn Find Profile
1963 Pontiac Super Duty LeMans
Imagine if an unknown Van Gogh were discovered on eBay. In the muscle
car community, the discovery of this Super Duty is no less stunning
by Thomas Glatch
Details
Years produced: 1963
Number produced: 12 (coupes and
wagons)
Original list price: n/a
SCM Valuation: $600,000
Tune-up cost: $150
Distributor cap: $19.99
Chassis #: VIN plate on driver's side
doorframe
Engine #: Pad on front of block below
right cylinder head
Club: Pontiac Owners Club International
PO Box 68
Chassis number: 263P76752
and USAC stock car racing, and in NHRA drags. But by
the summer of '62, Pontiac's competitive edge was beginning
to wear off.
In a sport where a victory can be measured in the
B
blink of an eye, weight was one major component to
success. Engineers said 100 lb equaled one-tenth of a
second in elapsed time, and Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler
were putting their Super Stock and Factory Experimental
racers on serious diets while boosting horsepower.
For the 1963 model year, Pontiac created 14 special
Super Duty Catalinas in the hope of gaining back its
advantage. Many aluminum sheetmetal components
were created, and the frames had so many weight-reducing
holes punched in them, they became known as the
“Swiss Cheese” cars. But the new Catalina was still at
least 200 lb too heavy, especially when compared to the
mid-size Dodge 330s and Plymouth Belvederes. With
the Winternationals approaching, Pontiac took drastic
winner-take-all measures.
Two Pontiac Tempest coupes assembled in November
1962 were sent to the shops of Ray Nichols and Mickey
Thompson. They each installed 421-ci Super Duty engines
in the compacts and replaced the Tempest's unique
“rope” driveshaft and rear Corvair-based transaxle with
a conventional transmission and narrowed Catalina rear
end. The results were beyond fast—Bill Shrewsberry
dominated the Winternationals A/FX class with Mickey
Thompson's Tempest, his 12.03 best time a good half-second
faster than the competition.
On December 12 and 13 of that year, six LeMans coupes
were built minus radio, heater, and sound deadening. Aluminum
front clips were added, and 421 Super Duty
engines installed. Pontiac engineers created a heavy-duty
“Powershift” 4-speed automatic transaxle that included a
10.6-inch clutch for launching off the line.
With a trunk-mounted battery and a twelve-gallon fuel
tank, the Super Duty LeMans coupes weighed around
48
y the late 1950s, the horsepower race was on,
and stock-bodied racing was the perfect place
for Detroit to display its latest engineering feats.
Pontiac was the car to beat, both in NASCAR
3,150 lb and had nearly 50/50 weight distribution. In
January 1963, six more Tempest station wagons were
given the same treatment, which resulted in a bit more
rear weight bias. The dozen compact terrors went to the
best Pontiac teams and drivers, including Arnie Beswick,
Arlen Vanke, and the legendary Mickey Thompson.
Detroit-area racer Stan Antlocer also bought one
of the Super Duty LeMans coupes, through Stan Long
Pontiac. Stan and his father ran a speed shop in the area,
and campaigning throughout Michigan, Stan won often,
with an amazing best time of 11.93 at 123.95 mph. Since
the Powershift transaxle could use only a 3.90:1 gear, the
Antlocers replaced it with a conventional 3-speed manual
and narrowed Catalina rear axle, running a 2.28 first
gear and 4.30:1 rear. Stan Antlocer called his racer “the
world's fastest Tempest.”
On January 24, 1963, General Motors announced it
was suspending all racing activity. With as much as 53%
of the American market, the General was always a target
for anti-trust action from the Feds. Fearing exposure
of their racing activities, GM announced the ban, with
severe punishment promised to any employee who dared
to ignore the edict. The factory support and engineering
were suddenly gone, and spare parts dried up quickly.
Some of the original Super Duty owners raced their cars
into the 1964 season. Stan Antlocer remembers selling
his LeMans to someone in Ohio in 1964, and this car,
like most of the other '63 Super Duty cars, was lost to
history. Of the dozen Super Duty compacts built, only
three are extant.
SCM Analysis This 1963 Pontiac LeMans Tempest,
without engine or transmission, sold
for $226,521.63 on eBay Motors on November 9, 2008.
The seller wrote:
“1963 PONTIAC LeMANS TEMPEST. WAS
MANUFACTURED IN ‘63 AND ON A 1/4 MILE
TRACK IN 64. I KNOW LITTLE ABOUT THIS
VEHICLE FOR THE OWNER PASSED AWAY LAST
YEAR. THERE IS NO MOTOR, TRANSMISSION, OR
KEYS FOR IT.
1963 Pontiac Tempest Super Duty
Lot# S113, s/n 163P99224
Condition 1
Sold at $656,250
Mecum, St. Charles, IL, 6/10/2006
SCM# 43090
Sports Car Market
Maple Plain, MN 55359
More: www.poci.org
Alternatives: 1964 Ford Fairlane
Thunderbolt, 1968 Dodge Dart Hemi,
1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
SCM Investment Grade: A
Comps
1961 Pontiac Ventura Super Duty
Lot# S94, s/n 561P3671
Condition 1Sold
at $157,500
Mecum, St. Charles, IL, 10/5/2007
SCM# 47024
1963 Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” Catalina
Lot# S112, s/n 363P104314
Condition 1
Sold at $462,000
Mecum, St. Charles, IL, 10/6/2006
SCM# 43086

Page 47

to take possession of the car based on rent owed. Now
Dale, the seller, was cleaning out his garage...
Stan Antlocer even chimed in on the online discussion
“APPEARS TO HAVE ORIGIONAL WINDSHIELD, SIDE GLASS COMES
WITH IT BUT APPEARS TO HAVE PLEXIGLASS IN ITS PLACE.”
The seller, from Harrison, Michigan, clearly had no idea what he was selling (or
how to turn off the Caps Lock key). Bidding started at $500, but a day later he wrote:
“OK PEOPLE = ENUF IS ENUF... I POSTED THIS ITEM 24 HOURS AGO AND
IT HAS 2000 HITS, OR MY COUNTER IS BROKE.
“ALL I CAN FIGURE OUT IS THAT PEOPLE ARE SEARCHING FOR PICTURES
OF MCAIN OR OBAMA. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THERE ARE
SO MANY VIEWS. I MIGHT EVEN POST IT.”
Then someone wrote back:
“FYI You hit the lottery on this one. This is a factory PONTIAC-built Super Duty
race car. Whatever you do, let the auction run. The VIN is verified on page 129 in Pete
McCarthy's book, Pontiac Musclecar Performance, 1955–79. If you didn't have a 401K,
you do now.”
That's right. This was the missing Stan Antlocer Super Duty LeMans, the fourth of
the Super Duty compacts known to have survived. Imagine the buzz in the art community
if an unknown Van Gogh were discovered for sale on eBay. In the muscle car
community, the discovery of this Super Duty is no less stunning.
The seller was cleaning out his garage
The car was owned by the seller's next door neighbor, who stored the LeMans for
years in the seller's garage. The owner passed away recently, and the seller was able
to confirm that it was his car. One bidder tried to get the
owner to take $160,000 and call off the auction, which
he rejected. Bidding stalled at $95,000 with just seven
minutes to go, and it looked like the owner's gamble
failed. Then, in typical eBay fashion, bidding took off. In
the end the successful bidder shelled out $226,521.63 for
the LeMans.
The new owner has work to do, of course. The original
aluminum front clip is not with the car, though it has been
located in Florida. Finding the correct Super Duty engine
and other missing components will be expensive, too. But
the car is sound, with only surface rust, and many of the
rare Super Duty parts were stored in the trunk. A proper
restoration might cost $100,000 or more—is it worth it?
On October 6, 2006, Mecum auctioned the Pontiac
collection of the late Randy Williams. Williams owned
two of the three then-known Super Duty compacts—one
coupe and the only known wagon. The Swiss Cheese
Catalina coupe sold for $462,000 that day. Also sold was
Williams's big Tempest wagon for $656,250. Those prices
were validated one year later, when, on October 5, 2007,
Mecum again auctioned the two former Randy Williams
Super Duty compacts, this time as a set. Bidding reached
$925,000 for the pair, but they did not meet reserve.
The automotive world has another Super Duty in its
midst, the seller has his 401(k), and the successful bidder
has got his hands on a piece of history, which should
provide a handsome payback on his investment once the
wrenching is finished. ♦
March 2009
49

Page 48

Race Car Profile
1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spyder Corsa
Though beautiful, the 6-cylinder, 121 LMs were overpowered, under-braked,
evil-handling, notoriously unreliable, and historically unsuccessful
by Thor Thorson
Details
Years produced: 1955
Number produced: 4
Original list price: n/a
SCM Valuation: $3m–$4m
Cost per hour to race: $2,000
Distributor cap: $900 (x 2 caps)
Chassis #: Center of front crossmember
Engine #: Right side of block roughly
center
Club: Ferrari Owners Club
18000 Studebaker Rd., Ste. 700
Cerritos, CA 90703
More: www.ferrariownersclub.org
Alternatives: 1955–58 Maserati 300S,
1953–55 Jaguar D-type,
1953–56 Aston Martin DB3S
SCM Investment Grade: A
Comps
Chassis number: 0558LM
T
his magnificent sports prototype Ferrari was the
fifth and last of the select batch of 6-cylinder
big-engined projectiles that provided the absolute
spearhead of the factory Ferrari's endurance rac-
ing campaign for 1955.
These gorgeously aggressive and exquisitely pro-
portioned cars were powered by Tipo 118 and Tipo 121
6-cylinder twin-overhead-camshaft engines in 3.7- and
4.4-liter form.
This particular vehicle was assembled upon a Ferrari
Tipo 509 (510) Allungato chassis, and it proved to be the
most prominent of the three Ferrari 121 LMs to be built
new to this specification at Maranello.
SCM Analysis This car sold post-block for
$3,544,796, including buyer's pre-
mium, at Bonhams's Gstaad, Switzerland, auction on
December 20, 2008.
Looking at the upcoming 1955 racing season, Enzo
Ferrari had a problem. In the previous few years, literally
all the rules of winning in auto racing had changed
radically. Jaguar had brought out the very aerodynamic,
disc-braked, monocoque-chassis D-type, and
Mercedes had raised the bar in breathtaking fashion
with its 300SLR. To face this challenge, Ferrari had
the 750 Monza, a 3-liter 4-cylinder car that had been
introduced for 1954. The aerodynamics were pretty
good, but it didn't have the chassis, the brakes, or the
sophistication of the Brits and the Germans, and there
wasn't a lot of time or money available to start over.
The response was classic Ferrari: Take what you‘ve
got and add horsepower. During this period, Ferrari did
50
not use the V12 engines in their team racers. I'd guess
it had to do with weight and size for the horsepower
generated, and three liters seemed as big as you'd dare
build a racing four, so the obvious answer was to build
a six.
The next obvious thing was to not reinvent the wheel
in designing a six. Ferrari had two well-proven 4-cylinder
designs in production; why not just add cylinders
and expand one of them into a six? (Actually, in retrospect,
there are a number of good reasons, but we'll talk
about that later.) The first approach was called the Type
118, which took the 625/500 Mondial design and made
it into a 3.7-liter six. This ran at Buenos Aires and again
at the Targa Florio in the early season, but was replaced
with the Type 121 engine in time for the Mille Miglia in
April.
The Type 121 was the same concept applied to the 750
Monza design, but with the 4.4-liter engine that made
360 horsepower. All of the Type 118s were eventually
converted to the 121 engine, with at least one chassis
built specifically as a Type 121. These were to carry the
flag as the factory team entries for the remainder of the
1955 season.
The worst handler Ferrari ever built
As it turned out, they didn't carry it for long. Though
immensely powerful, the 6-cylinder cars turned out to
be somewhere between inadequate and flat evil to drive
(they have been described as “the worst handling sports
racing car that Ferrari ever built”), and they were unreliable
to boot. In scaling from a four to a six, Ferrari
discovered what others already knew—big sixes need
1956 Ferrari 860 Monza
Lot# 453, s/n 0604M
Condition 1-
Sold at $2,057,001
RM, Monterey, CA, 8/15/2003
SCM# 36112
Sports Car Market
1953 Ferrari 340 MM
Lot# 222, s/n 0268M
Condition 2+
Sold at $3,118,500
RM, Maranello, ITA, 5/20/2007
SCM# 45297
1957 Ferrari 500 TRC
Lot# 472, s/n 0670MDTR
Condition 2
Sold at $2,285,000
RM, Monterey, CA, 8/18/2006
SCM# 42568
Bonhams

Page 49

is the first “big” Ferrari to come to public sale since then.
Can it tell us something about what is happening? I think
so, but it's preliminary, and as always, a more complicated
tale than we'd like.
We need to look at this specific car a bit more care-
fully. Depending on who you believe, 0558 was either the
Maglioli 3rd-place car or Castellotti's glorious DNF in
the Mille Miglia. It was definitely the Hill/Maglioli car
at Le Mans, and it's the only one that had any success
in the U.S. when they came over here, so the history
is good. In its later years it reputedly passed through
Richard Merritt's hands, then on to Pierre Bardinon's
Mas du Clos Collection, before spending over 20 years
with Antoine Midy, which is the kind of ownership history
collectors long for.
Whispers suggested engine irregularities
On the other hand, there were whispers about
the engine. According to noted collector Peter Sachs
(Cavallino #86), the car was discovered in a New Jersey
garage without its engine, and the whispers suggested irregularities
with the number stamping on the block. Plus
there were no Le Mans scrutineering stamps, as would
be expected, so is it the original engine? On the other
hand, they only built four, maybe five, of these cars, ever.
vibration dampeners on the crank or they self-destruct,
either breaking the crank or shaking off the flywheel.
The Ferrari architecture left no place to install one, so
they tried it without one, and it didn't work.
The car was not a complete catastrophe. Umberto
Maglioli finished third in the Mille Miglia (45 minutes
behind Moss's winning SLR), and Eugenio Castellotti
actually challenged Moss in the early going with a
display of truly Italian overdriving before the engine
failed, but aside from that the 118/121 was an exercise
in frustration for all involved. The cars were brutally
fast on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, but still no
match for Mercedes or Jaguar in lap times, and they
retired with engine failures relatively early. After Le
Mans, Ferrari abandoned the six-cylinder cars and
finished the season with four-cylinder Monzas. They
had come to the understanding that for most races, tires
and brakes limited useful engine size to 3.5 liters or so.
The 121s were all shipped to the U.S. in hopes that sheer
power would be more useful there.
Again, it was not to be. One of them went out of con-
trol and killed driver Ernie McAfee at Pebble Beach, and
“Gentleman Jim” Kimberly could never get his to work at
all. Carroll Shelby had a huge win at Elkhart Lake (in the
subject car) and again at Beverly, Massachusetts, but he
was not exactly a fan. He was quoted in Cavallino #86 as
saying, “What kind of car was the 4.4? It was a turd. You
had to be very careful about how you applied the power,
and the only tire you could use was a soft Engelbert tire;
it had a cotton cord and it was flexible. I made Chinetti
weld the flywheel to the crank before I would drive his
car. Those flywheels would not stay on—they were lucky
they didn't cut someone's legs off.”
Though arguably one of the most beautiful of 1950s
Ferraris, the 121 LMs were never the stuff of legend.
They were overpowered, under-braked, evil-handling,
notoriously unreliable, and historically unsuccessful.
So here we are, 53 years later, watching one of the
four known to exist (#484, #532, #546, and #558) come
across the auction stage. The collector world has gone
mad for Ferraris in the past few years, but the world's
economy has just gone completely into the tank, and this
March 2009
51
Where are you going to find an incorrect engine to install?
The real issue in trying to establish a value for this car is simple enough. Though
an excellent car, it's not a V12. It seems that the best way to predict the market for a
racing Ferrari is to take some basic number based on condition, beauty, history, etc.,
then multiply it by the number of cylinders. Like it or not, the (4-cylinder) 860 Monza
is worth roughly a third of what a (12-cylinder) 290 MM is worth, and except for the
engine, they are the same car.
You'd thus expect that this six would be worth about half of an equivalent twelve,
and sure enough, that's pretty much what it sold for (if you could find a 410 Sport,
which is effectively this car with a twelve, it appears you'd have to pay north of $6
million for it).
The answer to the question we've all been asking appears to be that for now, at
least, the value of seriously collectible Ferraris is holding. I'd say this car was fairly
priced and rationally bought, with or without the crisis. And even though this car (and
indeed this model) is judged a modest success, at best, in terms of period racing results,
it remains a blue-chip collectible due to its place in Ferrari race car history. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams.)
Jérôme Hardy
Jérôme Hardy

Page 50

Market Reports Overview
Six Winter Sales Total $26m
Several sales saw totals below last year's marks, but some also showed
increases
by Jim Pickering
just a year prior. However, good cars continued to bring
solid numbers in most locations, and while several sales
slipped from their 2007 marks, some showed increases,
and respectable numbers were achieved nearly everywhere.
As always, SCM's Auction Analysts were present
to make note of each sale as it took place.
Analyst Norm Mort made his way to RM's Toronto sale
T
in late October, where 179 of 391 cars changed hands for
a final total of $2.2m. Although totals were significantly
down from last year's $4.2m, more cars were offered and
sold, and the sales percentage remained at 46%. A fall in
the value of the Canadian dollar resulted in a few bargain
prices for U.S.-based buyers, including a 1931 Chevrolet
5-window coupe at $15,962.
Bonhams & Goodman's sale of the Dawson-Damer
Collection took place in Sydney, Australia, on November
16, with 20 of 25 cars selling for a combined total of
$3.3m. Comprised mainly of Lotus single-seat racers, the
collection included Jim Clark's 1962 Lotus 25 Formula
One World Championship winner, which hammered sold
at $998,524. Analyst Chris Bowden found that although
many foreign accents were in the room due to a fall in the
Australian dollar vs. the U.S. dollar, most of the cars sold
remained Down Under.
McCormick's late November sale in Palm Springs,
California, saw 299 of the 535 cars on offer change hands
at $4.8m—a result down only about $100k from last
November's $4.9m result. However, as Senior Auction
Analyst Carl Bomstead noted, the majority of the lots sold
brought under $40k, and those looking for more generally
ended up taking their cars back home with them.
SCM 1-6 Scale
Condition Rating:
1: National concours standard/
perfect
2: Very good, club concours,
some small flaws
3: Average daily driver in decent
condition
4: Still a driver but with some
apparent flaws
5: A nasty beast that runs but
has many problems
6: Good only for parts
52
he closing months of 2008 followed the same
trends seen throughout the market during the third
quarter of the year, with most sales seeing fewer
consignments and lesser totals than those from
Sales Totals
Bonhams, Gstaad, CHE
McCormick, Palm Springs, CA
RM Auctions, Toronto, CAN
Bonhams, London, UK
Bonhams & Goodman, Sydney, AUS
Auctions America, Raleigh, NC
$4,810,943
$7,072,613
$2,237,026
$3,896,167
$3,333,925
$4,920,374
Bonhams's annual early December sale in London sold 60 of 97 cars for a final total
of just under $3.9m, which, while relatively respectable in its own right, was well under
last year's $17m result. Auction Analyst Paul Hardiman was present to cover the lots on
offer, including James Bond's 1976 Lotus Esprit used in “The Spy Who Loved Me.” It
brought $165,020, while a 1931 Bentley 8-Liter with a Sedanca deVille body by Mulliner
was the day's high sale at $506,900.
Analyst Chip Lamb traveled to North Carolina for Auction America's Raleigh Classic
on December 5, where totals reached just over $4.9m for 171 of 275 cars—a substantial
improvement over last year's $3.9m for 153 of 230 cars. Lamb noted that sales were
brisk throughout the weekend, with Friday's group of mostly-Mopar lots starting a sales
trend that would last throughout the remainder of the event. A 1946 Buick Roadmaster
convertible topped the sales chart at $116,640, while a 1927 Cadillac phaeton followed
closely behind at $99,360.
Gstaad was again the place to be for those in the market for a Ferrari in December,
as Bonhams returned to the Palace Hotel just before Christmas for its annual “Ferrari et
les Prestigieuses Italiennes” event. Sales here also saw an increase over last year, with 17
of 36 cars bringing $7.3m, as compared to last year's $6.1m for 26 of 41. Analyst Jérôme
Hardy noted that although numbers were up, the sale was by no means an easy job for
Bonhams, with several high-end no-sales keeping tensions high. A 1955 Ferrari 121 LM
made high sale honors post-block at $3.5m.
Finally, Geoff Archer celebrates the temporary return of cheap gas in his eBay Motors
report, with a number of ways to burn it—and the tread from your tires—in style. ♦
Top 10 Sales This Issue
(Land Auctions Only)
1. 1955 Ferrari 121 LM spyder corsa,
$3,544,796—Bon CHE, p. 56
2. 1962 Lotus 25 Formula 1 racer,
$998,524—B&G, p. 91
3. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 coupe,
$981,551—Bon CHE, p. 60
4. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS spyder,
$562,380—Bon CHE, p. 58
5. 1931 Bentley 8-Liter Sedanca de Ville,
$506,900—Bon Lon, p. 75
6. 1925 Bentley 3-Liter Supersports Brooklands roadster, $409,220—B, p. 74
7. 1979 Lotus 79 racer, $373,442—B&G, p. 91
8. 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Sixth Series Supercharged cabriolet, $342,683—Bon CHE, p. 56
9. 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Prototypo Boano coupe, $330,057—Bon CHE, p. 56
10. 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale spyder, $314,906—Bon CHE, p. 56
1. 1962 Lotus 25 Formula One
racer, $998,524—B&G, p. 91
2. 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Prototypo Boano
coupe, $330,057—Bon CHE, p. 56
3. 1931 Chevrolet Independence 5Window
coupe, $15,962—RM, p. 93
4. 2004 Koenigsegg CC8S targa,
$254,560—Bon Lon, p. 78
5. 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda 2-dr hard top,
$58,320—AA, p. 86
Sports Car Market
Best Buys

Page 52

Bonhams Gstaad, CHE
Ferrari et les Prestigieuses Italiennes
Total sales reflected a 20% increase over last year, but there were a lot more
racing pulses this year. It's not a business for the faint of heart
Company
Bonhams
Date
December 20, 2008
Location
Gstaad, Switzerland
Auctioneer
James Knight
Automotive lots sold / offered
17/36
Sales rate
47%
Sales total
$7,282,550
High sale
1955 Ferrari 121 LM sports
racer, sold at $3,544,796
Buyer's premium
James Knight worked hard to sell the 121 on the block, but success came later
Report and photos by Jérôme Hardy
Market opinion in italics
M
atthieu Lamoure and the Bonhams
team took chances when they
assembled cars for their 11th
Winter auction in Gstaad,
Switzerland, the last auction of 2008.
The market was wavering and the world
was watching.
The 2008 catalog offered 36 automobiles, 29 being
Ferraris, for a total mid-estimate of $24m, or $600,000
per automobile (double last year). It was “risky, high-end
loaded” with three exceptional Ferraris representing half
of the value of the entire sale. The cars included a 1955
121 LM raced by Phil Hill at Le Mans that was estimated
at $4.2m-$5.9m, a 1951 212 Export estimated at $2.5m$3.5m,
and a 1958 250 GT Tour de France Aluminum
estimated at $3.6m-$4.5m. Clearly, the event depended
on the sale of these three automobiles.
Last year's sale offered 41 automobiles—50%
Ferrari, 50% other Italians—for a total mid-estimate
total of $12.6m, or a $300,000 average per automobile.
The “star car” was a Ferrari 275 GTB/2 6C that sold for
$1m. 26 cars sold for a total of just under $6.1m, mostly
the “expensive” Ferraris, which represented 70% of that
number. My recommendation in the March 2008 issue
of SCM was to offer more expensive Ferraris in 2009.
But this year, the ambiance in the Palace Hotel had
changed. Confident faces and jokes were replaced by
54
uncertain smiles. No one was willing to forecast the result of the sale.
Auctioneer James Knight opened the show at 4 pm following a suc-
cessful memorabilia sale in front of a packed room of 150. Twenty
minutes later, tension was clear on most faces as it looked like none of
the six first lots, including two of the expensive Ferraris from Antoine
Midy's estate, had sold. By 6 pm, the notable sales included a 1967
Ferrari 275 GTB/4 in mint condition for $981,551, a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS at
$562,380 (the same car that sold at $691,698 here last year) , a 1933 Alfa-Romeo
1750 SC Castagna-bodied convertible coupe at $342,683, a 1961 Maserati 3500 GT
Vignale Spyder at $314,906, and a few Dinos and other 250 road cars in the $200,000
range.
Luckily, Bonhams secured a post-block sale of the 121 LM race car at $3,544,796,
and a TestaRossa re-creation at $209,937.
When the dust settled, total sales came to
nearly $7.3m for 17 cars—a 20% increase over
last year's $6,078,313. But there were a lot more
racing pulses this year; it's not a business for
the faint of heart.
As said many times in SCM, exceptional cars
continue to sell, but they're bringing below 2008
price levels in the short term, as many players
are now risk-adverse thanks to the combination
of the global financial crisis, made worse
by the shenanigans of Bernard Madoff and his
ilk. At the other end, this is probably the time
to grab good deals like the 1933 Alfa Romeo at
$343,000. Average cars will just stay average. ♦
$1m
$2m
$3m
$4m
$5m
$6m
$7m
$8m
Sales Totals
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
16% on the first $136,500,
11% thereafter, included in
sold prices ($1=1.11 CHF)
Sports Car Market

Page 54

Bonhams Gstaad, CHE
TOP 10
No. 8
#226-1933 ALFA ROMEO 6C
1750 GRAN SPORT Sixth Series
Supercharged cabriolet.
S/N
121215037. Eng. # 121215037. Red/black fabric/black
leather. RHD. Odo: 11,460 km. 1750
Gran Sports are usually Zagato bodied and go
for $1m+. This is a heavier Castagna body with
full top on the same efficient chassis. Restored
to very high level in 1986 and still shows well
aside from one door not fitting properly. Paint,
chrome, and wheels very good, interior redone
recently, engine bay detailed. A classy entrant to
any vintage rally. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $342,683.
This car failed to sell for $720,000 at Bonhams'
Carmel sale in August '08 (SCM# 117450),
which shows the owner was expecting more.
The low estimate in the Gstaad catalog was
$640,000, which was then dropped to $400,000
just before the sale. At half of what was asked six
months ago, this was a very good buy.
#204-1955 LANCIA AURELIA B24
Spider America. S/N B241008. Eng. #
B241136. Black/black cloth/red leather. RHD.
Odo: 35,933 km. Restored in multiple stages
over seven years to finally come up as a finished
car following color changes and more.
Paint, chrome, rubber, and Borranis flawless,
red interior gorgeous, engine bay and undercarriage
spotless. A desirable car in an attractive
condition and on the button for a racing car following
long term ownership by Antoine Midy.
Engine fully rebuilt in 2006. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $3,544,796. Sold post-block below the low
estimate. It's difficult to value such a piece in
this potentially volatile market, but whether
or not this was a wise financial decision will
become clear in a few short years. Regardless,
this car had both a good look and excellent history,
and nobody ever complains about paying
too much for a great car. See the profile, p. 50.
TOP 10
No. 9
#208-1955 FERRARI 250
GT Prototypo Boano coupe.
S/N 0435GT. Eng. # 0435
GT. Gray/black leather. Odo: 91,407 km. The
fourth of approximately nine cars built by
Pinin Farina before production was transferred
to Boano. Recently completed restoration to
good although not show levels. Gray paint
glossy on well-prepped panels. Rubber and
and undercarriage clean. Cond: 2+. NOT
SOLD AT $3,367,000. 0903GT had many desirable
features, including an aluminum body
and covered headlights, but with no history (or
worse, a strange one), the value is challenged.
RM failed to sell a car with racing pedigree in
Monterey in August '08 at $3,900,000 (SCM#
117468), so at close to the low estimate, this
one could have sold.
#230-1959 FERRARI 250 GT Series II
coupe. S/N 1629GT. Eng. # 1629GT. Navy
blue/beige leather. Odo: 1,108 km. Restored to
a high level seven years ago. Paint flawless, new
rubber fitted, brightwork OK but for wavy rear
bumper. Polished Borranis excellent, interior
as-new, dash very good, engine bay detailed.
A good example in a distinctive color combination.
Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD AT $200,200.
Last seen at Bonhams' Fontvieille sale in May
'04, where it sold at $146,865 (SCM# 34140).
These attractive coupes trade in the $300k$350k
range, and as such, this one deserved
more than the high bid in today's market.
TOP 10
No. 10
#213-1961 MASERATI 3500 GT
Vignale spyder. S/N AM1011319.
Gray/black fabric & hard top/dark
blue leather. Odo: 34,110 km. History known
since new. Originally red with matching hard
top and white leather interior. Rotisserie
restoration in 2004 to very high levels,
today mint in its gray livery. Delivered with
chrome redone, but rear bumper wavy. Some
nicks on Borranis. Glass very good. Interior reupholstered
with nice dash and steering wheel.
Engine bay and undercarriage clean. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $330,057. This car had attractive
styling with its low roofline over simple though
remarkable body lines, and the recent restoration
showed relatively well, with only few needs
noted. Sold at no reserve well below the $500k
low estimate, and a good buy at that price.
#216-1958 FERRARI 250 GT Tour de
color combination. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT
$354,900. B241008 was sold by Bonhams at
its Fontvieille sale in May '02 for $118,000
(SCM# 28391), then a light blue car with dark
blue leather and steel wheels. It was described
as being in 1- condition as a result of a 2001
fresh restoration. Well, in my opinion, it should
have stayed that way. Re-restoring an already
good car does not bring definite value, and the
high bid here should have been accepted.
TOP 10
No. 1
#205-1955 FERRARI 121 LM spyder
corsa. S/N 0558LM. Eng. # 0558LM.
Rosso Corsa/red leather. RHD. A sig-
nificant piece of motoring history, having run
in the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1955
Mille Miglia. Ex-Phil Hill, Eugenio Castellotti,
Umberto Maglioli, and Carroll Shelby. Mint
56
France coupe. S/N 0903GT. Eng. # 0903GT.
Red & dark blue/red & black leather. Odo:
53,416 km. No racing history. Spent its entire
life in Sweden and was dismantled for 34 years
before being put together in 2006. The result
is a strange blend of originality (the Borranis,
the scratched windshield) and “as new” (the
interior). Paint done to a decent quality,
driver's door sags when opened. Engine bay
period-correct hard top and triple Webers. An
attractive car in excellent condition. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $314,906. A record price for a 3500
GT Spider. Maserati prices have followed the
Ferrari upward trend over the past three years,
but it's still just half the price of a 1961 Ferrari
250 GT Pininfarina convertible.
#215-1962 OSCA 1600GT coupe. S/N
00103. Eng. # 00103. Red/black vinyl. Odo:
13,026 km. One of 24 1600GTs with a Fissore
body, with 98 others by Zagato. Restoration
from the late '80s now showing its age. Missing
bumpers and badges, paint OK, mags marked.
Driver's side window scratched, mechanism
broken. Interior of a race car, with electrical
wiring hanging below black metal dash. An
interesting car in driver condition. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $68,614. Sold mid-estimate. OSCAs
have wonderful chassis and engines. The most
sought-after are the Zagato-bodied cars, which
Sports Car Market

Page 56

Bonhams Gstaad, CHE
Alfa Bits
Recent Il Biscione sales on eBay
by Geoff Archer
(All English within quotes exactly as presented by sellers on eBay.)
#220249405287-1967 ALFA ROMEO GTV 2+2 coupe.
Red & black/black w/blue racing seats. 8 Photos (which are so
obtuse and up close that they would make a great ‘whatizit?'
contest). Broomfield, CO. Former SCCA racer car with mild flares.
“215 buick aluminum V8 engine (which weighs about 30 pounds
more than the alfa engine with a lower center a gravity)... built
as a race engine by Colorado Custom Machine (About $10K) with
can reach $100k+. A 1600GT Fissore sold on
eBay in July '06 for $76,000 (SCM# 41384),
and given this one's condition, I'd call this
price market correct.
#224-1962 FERRARI 250 GTE coupe.
S/N 3003. White/black leather. Odo: 22,521
km. Earlier 250 GTE with three separated taillights
and flush front light bezels. Fresh total
restoration looks good from 30 feet, but filled-in
passenger side jack holes indicate Bondo. Rear
bezel partially painted rather than chromed,
all the upgrades.” Street racer interior with roll bar, StewartWarner
gauges, blue seats, and a red steering wheel. “One of
the fastest alfas in the country!” 0 bids, sf 149. Cond: 3. NOT
SOLD AT $6,000. Being a no-sale did not surprise me given the
presentation. It was surprising there were zero bids and it was
not relisted. Maybe it sold locally at the $15k Buy-It-Now? That
sounds about right.
#190267419313-1967 ALFA ROMEO GTV 2+2
coupe. S/N AR248600. Red/gray cloth. Odo: 88,500 miles. 24
Photos. Boulder, CO. “Remarkably original and complete, nice
running car, but does need some work. Originally delivered
in Frankfurt, Germany.” Tired repaint, some rust, cracked
other chrome and glass OK. Interior redone
in correct pattern, engine bay clean. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $137,228. 250 GTEs have been on
the rise, and that has brought restored cars to
the market that would not have been restored
before. Considering that a really shabby one
sold in Paris one year ago for the same amount
(SCM# 63032), this one can still be considered
a fair buy.
windshield. “Interior is fair and basically just well worn and
original.” Good compression. “The car runs very well and is
surprisingly fast for its size. Don't be fooled into thinking you
need a 2liter, the 1600's rev great and are super fun.” 29 bids,
sf 51, bf 29. Cond: 4+. SOLD AT $7,500. Market correct for
an entry-level classic Alfa with needs.
#270309032825-1974 ALFA ROMEO GTV 2+2 coupe.
S/N AR3025047. LeMans Blue w/GTA stripe/tan leather. Odo:
5,000 miles. 14 Photos. Los Angeles, CA. “A great fresh GTV that
makes it up and down the coast ALL THE TIME. I live in LA and I
go to SF about 10 times a year and I take it up there every time I
go. 6 hours in this thing is no problem.” Bare metal respray with
some professional welding required but no Bondo found. New
German carpet and headliner. “Little BS things” to fix include
“interior light, sticky door handles, door alignment, etc.” 33
bids, sf 0, bf private. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $14,101. Though not
quite as clean as the '71 that brought $35,100 on eBay in July
(SCM# 117335), I can't see why it should trade for less than half
as much. I'll bet if this had been featured on bringatrailer.com,
it would have pulled the additional $5k–$7k it easily deserved.
Well bought. ♦
58
high with good panels, paint, dash, and engine
compartment. Still presents very well. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $209,937. What do you do with it? It
does not open the doors of most key events, and
if it's accepted, it won't be appreciated. It would
be fun to use it on the road, but there are many
other alternatives at this price level.
#233-1963 AUTOBIANCHI BIANCHINA
Eden Roc cabriolet. S/N 110B122004091.
White & black/red & black vinyl. Odo: 5,049
km. History known. Restored over time using
#232-1963 FERRARI 250 TESTA ROSSA
Replica racer. S/N 4275. Eng. # 4275. Rosso
Corsa/red leather. A 1962 Testa Rossa re-creation
in steel using a 1963 250 GTE as chassis donor
car. Apparently built in the '80s in the U.S. by
a GM designer in LHD. Overall build quality
appropriate $20,000-car standards. Paint OK
with some rust here and there, redone interior
looks good, engine bay tidy. A smallish toy.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $15,834. Sold here in 2007
for $21,834 with 300 fewer kms (SCM# 48100).
Since then some work had been done, including
a detailing of the engine bay, and at this price,
it was well bought as a decent driver.
#218-1964 FERRARI 250 GTL Lusso
coupe. S/N 5783. Eng. # 5783. Rosso Corsa/
black leather. Odo: 56,827 km. History known.
Fresh out of a restoration including body and
interior. Paint with slight orange peel, but otherwise
with nothing to fault. Interior entirely
redone, engine bay spotless. A nice Lusso in
the classic red and black combination. Cond:
1-. NOT SOLD AT $618,800. Even if some
Lussos reached $1m in 2008, this price was not
offensive for this example, as a similar car fully
restored in McQueen Maroon livery reached
a bid of $600,000 at Artcurial's Paris sale in
June '08. Priced correctly in today's market.
#236-1964 FERRARI 330 GT 2+2 coupe.
S/N 6219. Eng. # 6219. Red/black leather. Odo:
80,882 km. Older restoration still presentable.
Paint rather thick, chrome and glass OK. Interior
shows patina, with tired driver's seat and nice
wood dash. Engine bay clean, exhaust rusty. A
decent driver which probably needs some attention.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $116,116. Offered
at no reserve. Sold for $92,900 in October '06
at The Sportscar Auction in Geneva with three
fewer kms (SCM# 48142), so it was obviously
not driven in the past 30 months. Expensive for
a quad-lamp car in far-from-perfect condition.
TOP 10
No. 4
#221-1965 FERRARI 275 GTS spyder.
S/N 06819. Eng. # 06819. Blue/black
fabric/blue leather. Odo: 36,816 km.
Sports Car Market

Page 58

Bonhams Gstaad, CHE
#222-1969 FERRARI 365 GT 2+2
California spyder conversion. S/N 11967.
Eng. # 11967. Dark blue/black fabric/beige
leather. Odo: 70,940 km. One-off 2+2 365
chopped-top by Atelier des Coteaux. Far from
perfect, with unpadded and sagging soft top
and plastic rear window. Rest of the car is in
One of the star cars of the 2007 Bonhams
Gstaad auction, and still in the same excellent
condition as when presented then. One of 200
built, claimed to have matching numbers. Fully
restored in attractive blue livery, now with 450
more kms on the odometer. Cond: 2+. SOLD
AT $562,380. Sold for $691,698 in December
'07 (SCM# 48109), and this time only made
$562,380. It's usually not a good idea to resell
a car so quickly at the same auction venue, and
in this case, the final total suffered a bit. “C'est
la vie.”
TOP 10
No. 3
#207-1967 FERRARI 275 GTB/4
coupe. S/N 09617. Red/tan leather.
Odo: 510 km. Complete recent high-
level restoration to the highest standards resulting
in a flawless car but for one small nick in
windshield. Fitted with a/c. Another example
still showing no defects, chrome unmarked,
interior as new. Engine bay clean. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $122,850. Last seen here in
2005, where it sold at $87,285 (SCM# 40210)
then already in #1 condition. Since then, about
$100,000 has been spent on the car in both
mechanical and underbody work. This car
deserves more than this high bid in the current
market, but I do still feel that Dinos are generally
a bit overpriced. Time will tell.
#227-1972 FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Daytona
spyder conversion. S/N 14995. Black/black
fabric/cream leather. Odo: 36,211 miles. U.S.Spec
coupe converted to a Spyder early in its life
by Straman. Carefully maintained since with
engine fully rebuilt. Paint with some swirls,
good driver condition, with decent paint and
presentable chrome and interior. Cond: 3+.
NOT SOLD AT $172,900. If you were looking
for an open 2+2 Ferrari, you had your choice
between a $35k Mondial or this. The seller was
looking for a number closer to the low estimate
of $220k, but with the needs noted, I think this
bid was all the money.
#209-1970 FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Daytona
coupe. S/N 13345. Gray/red & black leather.
Odo: 47,134 km. Fresh rotisserie restoration.
Gorgeous in every detail, with a stunning
red and black leather interior, excellent paint
and body, and nice glass. Original plexiglass
nose unmarked, original air filter missing. An
of the now relatively common (at auctions)
275 GTB/4. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $981,551.
Sold 15% below the low estimate, back to 2006
levels, and wisely so. A very few 275 GTB/4s
became $2m cars in 2008. Based on objective
criteria—a regular road car built in rather large
quantity—that was abnormal. This was a much
more realistic price.
#212-1969 FERRARI 246 GT Dino coupe.
S/N 00742. Red/black leather. Formerly owned
by Hans Herrmann. Front fenders taken down
to bare metal and repainted in 1995, engine reportedly
rebuilt at that time. Optional and rare
central locking Rudge wheels. Nice paint and
chrome, interior shows well with little wear.
Borranis slightly marked, somewhat dirty interior
with patina. Engine bay and undercarriage
clean. Classy and powerful. Cond: 2-. SOLD
AT $229,047. One of the 123 original Spyders
in this condition would go for over $1m, so
paying $230k for this sounds like a deal. After
all, not everybody cares about “originality.” A
good buy even if not the best investment.
#228-1973 FERRARI 365 GTB/4 Daytona
coupe. S/N 16189. Eng. # 16189. Rosso Corsa/
beige leather. Odo: 24,262 km. European model
restored in the mid-'90s and still showing
very well with perfect paint, chrome, rubber,
example of the late '80s star car that's not so
much in favor now. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT
$327,600. Bonhams sold a similar perfectcondition
1974 model in this same location in
2007 for $396,477 (SCM# 48114). Otherwise
these cars have traded at around the $300,000
to $350,000 level for around three years now. If
the owner can, he is wise in keeping it.
#231-1971 FERRARI 246 GT Dino coupe.
S/N 01860. Red/black leather. Odo: 72,137 km.
Originally a Fly Yellow car sold in Switzerland,
where it spent its entire life. Restored in red in
1999, engine rebuild by Scappini in Milan at that
time. More mechanical work done in Gstaad in
2006 includes gearbox rebuild. Excellent paint
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $158,340. Dinos continue
to sell in the $150,000 range, although they are
not particularly rare, with a few available at
any auction and in any enthusiast magazine.
Herrmann's heritage helped in this one's final
price, which can be considered market correct.
60
and glass. Wheels unmarked, original interior
shows its age with sagging driver's seat.
Engine bay and undercarriage clean. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $263,900. Last year of the
Daytona with pop-up headlights in classic red
and black. Bid was light by around $30k, so the
seller was right in waiting.
#201-1974 FERRARI 365 GTB/4
Berlinetta Boxer coupe. S/N F102AB18057.
Red & black/black leather. Odo: 49,493 km.
Engine fire sparked 900-hour frame-off restoration
from 1999-2003 that is reported to have
cost $120,000 in parts only. 10,000 miles driven
since, which barely show. Still on-the-button in
and out, with entirely new interior smelling like
fresh leather. Red harnesses fitted. Cond: 2+.
NOT SOLD AT $145,600. An example of the
'70s poster child in classic red over black. This
Sports Car Market

Page 60

Bonhams Gstaad, CHE
#211-1977 FERRARI 308 GTB Vetroresina
coupe. S/N 21025. Gray/black leather. Odo:
55,221 km. High-level Swiss restoration in
2006 with new paint, interior, and mechanical
work. Flawless in all aspects. A close-to-perfect
example of the “best” 308, with light fiberglass
can be yours any day of the week for $35k,
why would you spend $20k on one that clearly
needs work? Well sold.
#234-1990 MASERATI QUATTROPORTE
ROYALE saloon. S/N AM330495978. Black/
beige leather. Odo: 7,500 km. Flagship 4-door
Maserati in as-new condition, featuring 3-speed
Chrysler automatic (too bad). Always stored in
garage with an amazingly low 7,500 kms. A
was the early and most iconic version of the
Boxer with its six taillights and exhaust pipes,
and it was in good condition overall. High bid
was fair.
#202-1975 FERRARI 246 GTS Dino
targa. S/N 07620. Red/black fiberglass/black
leather. Odo: 44,375 km. Unrestored original
car that has spent its entire life in Belgium,
a rather wet country. Paint has lost its gloss,
windshield marked by wipers, Cromodora
mags worn. Interior looks redone to me, with
body, Euro-spec dry-sump engine, and attractive
berlinetta design. Comes with tool kit and
manuals. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $63,336. Sold
at mid-estimate money. 12,000 308s were produced,
but only 712 were molded in fiberglass,
and quite a few of those have disappeared due
to racing. Half the price of a Dino 246 or a 512
BBi. No major risk here.
#214-1983 FERRARI 512 BBi coupe. S/N
electrical wires hanging under dash. Rust coming
through rear bumper chrome, other trim
still presentable. Driver-quality engine bay and
undercarriage. An average car. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $163,391. Sold mid-estimate. As auctioneer
Jim Knight pointed out, Dino coupes look
better than these thanks to the airier treatment
of rear panels. Still, someone wanted this one.
Based on condition alone, this would not have
been my pick at this price.
#210-1975 FERRARI 365 GT4 Berlinetta
Boxer coupe. S/N 18219. Gray/black leather.
Odo: 55,221 km. Car benefits from $80,000
spent since 2006, including bare metal respray,
new interior, and mechanical work. Close to
perfect in all aspects but for pitted chrome wheel
nuts. Engine bay and undercarriage clean, very
NOT SOLD AT $86,450. The 512 BBi is a gorgeous
car. They're dazzlingly fast, handle well,
are relatively comfortable, and are supposedly
reliable with their Bosch fuel injection system.
$85,000 does not take you far these days, but
it's more than enough for a Testarossa, Ferrari's
other undervalued supercar.
Quattrovalvole
#235-1984 FERRARI MONDIAL
cabriolet.
S/N
ZFFLC15B000050893. Blue/brown leather.
Odo: 13,260 km. A shabby blue Mondial in
South American specs. Ugly bumpers, paint
and wheels marked, top tired. Interior dirty,
dash and gauges OK. Not the best one available
by far. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $19,001. Offered
at no reserve. When a close-to-perfect Mondial
soft Lupi leather A good example of an iconic
car. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $168,350. This
car was bid to $20,000 over lot 201, but there
was still no sale. 365 BBs and 512 BBis have
not been the flavor of the year since 2002, unlike
275 GTBs or Dino 246s. To me, these cars
are cheap in the $150,000 range, but this still
could have sold at this number.
62
McLaren F1 at a quarter of the price. The latest
Enzos I've seen sold—all virtually new—bring
in the neighborhood of $1.2m. As great as they
are to drive, I'm not sure they will be a good
long-term investment. This should have sold at
this price. ♦
Sports Car Market
45451. Red/cream leather. Odo: 24,899 km. An
original car with presumably correct mileage on
the odometer. Condition reflects a 25-year-old
car that has been driven, even if not much. Front
bumper resprayed at one time. Clean throughout
to factory standards, but no show car. Cond: 2.
highway cruiser with an upscale interior. Cond:
1-. SOLD AT $25,334. Offered at no reserve
and sold over the $15k high estimate. Bidding
got stuck for a long 30 seconds at $10k, with
two bidders then deciding to take it to this adequate
level. A good buy if you're looking for
an original and distinctive 20-year-old Italian
sedan.
#217-1995 FERRARI 900CC motorcycle.
S/N SF01M. Red. One-off-design by U.K. specialist
David Key. A blend of old racer with a
Kawasaki-style engine and a digital dash. Never
used. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $191,100.
There's no doubt that the cost of engineering
and building this 100% one-off exceeded the
high bid. Still, this is only a living room static
display as it can't be road registered, nor can it
be taken to the track. Should have sold.
#229-2004 FERRARI ENZO coupe. S/N
ZFFCZ56B000136739. Black/black leather.
Odo: 11,557 km. One of the last of 349 built, all
black and as-new inside and out. History clear,
never raced. Belgian papers. Cond: 1. NOT
SOLD AT $1,001,000. The performance of a

Page 62

McCormick Auctions Palm Springs, CA
McCormick Auction Palm Springs
I don't understand why someone wanting to sell his car parks it, locks it, and
goes home until just before its number is called. Cars don't sell themselves
Company
Keith McCormick Auctions
Date
November 21–23, 2008
Location
Palm Springs, California
Auctioneer
Jack Stokes, Rob Ross
Automotive lots sold / offered
299/535
Sales rate
56%
Sales total
$4,810,943
High sale
1967 Chevrolet Corvette
427/435 convertible, sold at
$110,250
Buyer's premium
Corvettes were out in force, with 17 of 31 selling
Report and photos by Carl Bomstead
Market opinions in italics
affect auction results. But the final analysis
showed that, at least at this event, all was on
an even keel, with only a minor dip noted.
Total sales were up slightly from
W
McCormick's February event and off less than
$100,000 from the November 2007 result. When
all was said and done, McCormick sold 299 of 535
cars, although the revenue per car was down about a
thousand dollars, to average a touch over $16,000.
Corvettes were out in force, with 31 offered and 17
selling. Quality and prices were all over the board, with
a used and abused 1987 coupe selling for $4,305 and a
very well presented but undocumented '67 427 hitting
the high mark of the auction at $110,250. Sadly, only
a couple of Corvettes claiming big-block engines and
other unique options provided any supporting evidence
for their claim.
Automotive oddities, which delightfully appear with
regularity at the McCormick event, were out in force.
The atrocious 1989 ELMCO Rolls-Royce golf cart appeared
for the third consecutive sale, selling for the third
ith the financial world spinning
madly, buyers and
sellers alike wondered how
these uncertainties would
consecutive time. This time it brought $2,600 and actually produced a small profit for
the seller, if you don't count storage, cost of money, etc. The unsuspecting buyer most
likely gets laughed off the course by his buddies and can't wait to get rid of the darned
thing. A 1965 Rambler 220 in deplorable condition brought the princely sum of $840,
while a 1992 Chrysler Maserati T/C convertible went for only $1,680, which might be
considered a bargain, if you actually wanted one.
A number of exciting cars were offered, but, for the most part, if the sellers
were looking for anything over $40,000, their cars went back on the truck for
the trip home. I have yet to understand why someone wanting to sell his car
parks it, locks it, and goes home until just before its number is called. In
this market—and especially
in this market—it takes work
to get the money, and cars
don't sell themselves.
Sales Totals
The bi-annual McCormick auctions
are always enjoyable, with an eclectic mix
of offerings that appeal to most everyone's
tastes and pocketbooks. With a little ground
work you can score a nicely sorted car for
a reasonable price, and the entertainment
value of some of the others is worth the price
of admission. As a bonus, the normally clear
skies and warm sunshine are a welcome relief
from the harsh weather in the northern
climes. ♦
$1m
$2m
$3m
$4m
$5m
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
5%, included in sold prices
64
Sports Car Market

Page 64

McCormick Auctions Palm Springs, CA
ENGLISH
#145-1964 BENTLEY S3 saloon. S/N
B22LEC. Two-tone green/green leather. Odo:
5,532 miles. Identical to Rolls-Royce Silver
Cloud III except for Bentley's rounded grille.
Stated same owner over the past 20 years with
$22k in receipts. Minor nicks and scratches in
AMERICAN
#162-1930 FORD MODEL A Foose
Custom phaeton. S/N A3283877. Black/red
vinyl. Odo: 1,796 miles. 312-ci V8, 3x2-bbl,
auto. Built by Chip Foose for his “Overhaulin”
TV show. It took longer to complete than expected,
so car is now called “Overtime.” Fitted
with red and white checkered firewall, Duvall
$100k range. The seller was looking for close
to that, but the engine swap was an issue at this
price level.
paint, very attractive interior with good wood
and leather. Lucas driving lights. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $38,063. Purchased at the low end
of the price guide estimates. Many repairs were
documented, and as long as more are not lurking,
I'd call this well bought. I just wish it had
been presented in a different color scheme.
#156-1974 JAGUAR XKE SIII convert-
ible. S/N UD1S523300. Regency Red/black
vinyl/tan leather. Odo: 32,429 miles. A
final-year XKE equipped with a/c, automatic
transmission, and wires. Well-applied respray,
good panel fit, attractive interior in the right
brightwork. A fun car to drive. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $45,675. 1971 was the final year for the
280SL in the U.S. Prices are all over the board
on these, but this one sold for the right money
considering it was equipped with a/c. The
original invoice did not hurt either. A solid
transaction all around.
ITALIAN
#101-1981 FIAT SPIDER 2000 convert-
color. Brightwork still shows well throughout.
Minor signs of use evident. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$41,213. Jaguar folks will argue long and hard
about which of the XKE series is most desirable.
Regardless of which series you prefer, the
price paid here was light. Where else can you
get an attractive open V12 with wires for this
price? Well done.
GERMAN
#418-1963 PORSCHE 356B T6 cabrio-
let. S/N 156168. Ivory/tan fabric/red leather.
Odo: 7,691 miles. Recent restoration, engine
replaced with period motor. Very good paint
with minor touch-ups, good panel fit, interior
in excellent condition. New top looks a bit too
rounded. A very attractive Porsche complete
with a Certificate of Authenticity. Cond: 1-.
NOT SOLD AT $85,000. The T6 is distinguished
by its twin cooling grilles. Prices for
356 Cabriolets have been all over the board,
with rare, well-restored examples in the mid-
66
ible. S/N 7FAAS00B3B8182756. Silver/black
vinyl/red vinyl. Odo: 91,037 miles. Fuel injection
was standard for the Spider 2000 in '81,
along with styled steel wheels. Acceptable
paint has been well maintained, interior clean
#187-1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
convertible. S/N 11304412020582. Metallic
green/green leather. Odo: 66,758 miles.
Original invoice with car. Attractive paint
with minor scratches and swirls, original a/c
still fitted, both tops come with car. Very good
windshield, and period vinyl interior. Not the
most attractive custom Foose has done. Cond:
2. NOT SOLD AT $56,000. This car did not
cause much excitement when it crossed the
block, and the seller's little daughter was in it
and crying when it did not sell. I don't think the
car was worth a lot more than was bid here, as
TV fame is brief and a fading star is only worth
so much.
#141-1941 GRAHAM HOLLYWOOD
Supercharged 4-dr sedan. S/N 710590.
Maroon/maroon leather. Odo: 11,015. Offered
for two years using recycled 812 Cord body
molds. Supercharged version provided 29
additional horsepower. Restored to decent
standards, with metallic paint reasonably well
maintained throughout. No issues with leather
interior, brightwork acceptable. An interesting
automotive oddity. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$34,388. Price paid was about the going rate
based on the few others that have sold over the
past few years. The biggest hassle for the new
owner will be explaining what it is when he
takes it to his local cruise night. Better practice
saying “No, it's not a Cord.”
with no issues. Brightwork just OK, with wear
visible almost everywhere. Just a used Fiat.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $4,725. A good starter car
that can be used and enjoyed without taking a
hit when it's time to move on to something a
bit more upscale. Price paid was fair for both
parties.
#203-1948 BUICK ROADMASTER 76S
sedanette. S/N 24935189. Two-tone gray/taupe
fabric. Odo: 58,051 miles. Stated to be an original
car and there's no reason to question that
claim. Copy of original invoice included. Paint
worn through to primer in several areas, trim
pitted, chrome still decent. Fitted with radio
and clock, duct tape repairs to sun-damaged
rear seats. An honest original Buick. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $23,100. The market has been
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McCormick Auctions Palm Springs, CA
around doors. Sun visors damaged, plastic emblems
crazed, trim oxidized and pitted. Cond:
3. SOLD AT $8,925. Not a lot of money, but
not a lot of car either. The new owner can pick
away at it without spending a lot, and in the
end, he'll likely still come out OK.
rewarding original cars with increased interest
of late. The price paid would be all the money
for a restored car, but this original example
accorded an equal valuation, and that's just
another reason to think twice before restoring
a nice original car.
#212-1949 CADILLAC SERIES 62 seda-
nette. S/N 496225884. Maroon/tan fabric. Odo:
21,677 miles. Converted to 12-volt electrics.
Redone interior nice but does not look correct.
Good paint and brightwork, nice Sombrero
hubcaps, unmarked glass. Not a Full CCCA
White/red & white vinyl. Odo: 7,977 miles.
265-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. Recent restoration to
high standard. Minor touch-up on driver's door,
good panel fit, quality respray with no issues
noted. One of only 6,103 produced, fitted with
Powerglide and radio. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD
AT $60,000. The Nomad was introduced as a
mid-year model with special hard top styling.
They're arguably the most desirable of all steel
wagons, and this one was restored far better
than any others I've seen offered of late. As
such, this seller was looking for close to $90k,
but bidding fell short here.
#136-1955 MERCURY CUSTOM coupe.
S/N 55SL28743M. Dark blue & white/black
vinyl. Odo: 7,100 miles. Modified with 302-ci
V8 and C4 auto transmission with B&M shifter.
Lowered three inches. Vinyl tufted interior sagging
and has a cheap look, paint loaded with
#377-1955 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
Skyliner 2-dr sedan. S/N U5RW183557.
Emerald Green & white/green & white vinyl.
Odo: 239 miles. 302-ci fuel-injected V8, auto.
Skyliner includes transparent green roof panel.
High quality respray, color changed from
original black and white. Attractive interior
in excellent condition, brightwork just OK.
Modified with late-model LTD 5.0-liter engine.
Fitted with power windows, a/c, radio, and
Continental kit. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $37,800.
Fewer than 2,000 of these built, so it's interesting
that the decision was made to modify this
one. A well-restored original example will usually
bring more than one that's modified, but in
this case the seller did just fine.
Classic. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $33,863. If you
want top dollar at an auction, you need to present
your car well and you need to be available
to talk to potential bidders. This seller was a
great example, as he worked this car hard prior
to it crossing the block, and his efforts were rewarded
with an all-the-money price. Well sold.
#41-1954 CHEVROLET 3100 pickup.
S/N H54J022024. Aqua/brown vinyl. Odo:
86,409 miles. Restored to a presentable level.
Recent respray with noticeable runs in several
areas. New wood bed trim, glass not chipped or
#205-1956 OLDSMOBILE 98 Starfire
convertible. S/N 569L9662. Green & white/
white vinyl/green & white leather. Odo: 57,494
miles. 324-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. The 98 was top
of the line for Oldsmobile, and was four inches
longer than the 88, with slightly different side
trim. Quality respray in an attractive color
orange peel, trim dented throughout. A mild
custom that's well past its prime. Cond: 3-.
NOT SOLD AT $9,500. It would be a major
project to bring this back to its glory days of
many years past. The price bid was about what
this Mercury is worth considering its current
deplorable state, and I'd bet finding more will
be next to impossible.
#400-1955 DODGE ROYAL LANCER 2-
dr hard top. S/N 34834411. Sapphire White &
Heather Rose/white & rose vinyl. Odo: 92,640
miles. 270-ci V8, 2-bbl, auto. This was the
Royal Lancer, not the more desirable Custom
Royal Lancer, and was equipped with the Red
Ram V8 rather than the Super Red Ram V8.
Numerous paint chips throughout, especially
scratched. Interior Spartan but very clean with
no issues. Engine bay well detailed. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $27,825. A premium price, but well
below the cost of restoration. Blemishes in paint
should be correctable, but it makes one wonder
what other corners were cut. Will be well received
at any local Friday night cruise-in.
#163-1955 CHEVROLET NOMAD 2-dr
wagon. S/N VC55K113630. Gypsy Red & Polo
68
combination. Trim pitted and rusting, interior
showing minor wear and use. Fitted with
Jetaway HydraMatic transmission and wheel
spinners. One of 8,581 98 Starfire convertibles
built. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $55,000. A desirable
Oldsmobile that will get lots of thumbs
up at the local show n' shine. Price bid was
a bit light, but another $5k would have been
closer to the ball park.
#351-1958 CHEVROLET IMPALA con-
vertible. S/N F56L152427. Black/black vinyl/
aqua, gray & black fabric & vinyl. Odo: 97,985
miles. 348-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Striking presentation
of a very desirable Impala. Lowered two
inches, loaded with options including NOS
compass, Continental kit, spinner hubcaps, and
rear speaker control. Paint close to flawless,
panel fit superb, interior excellent, brightwork
sparkles. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $105,000.
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McCormick Auctions Palm Springs, CA
right. It takes several hours to check all the
numbers, and if they match, this was extremely
well bought, as only 100 were originally built
in this combination.
#262-1961 CHRYSLER 300G 2-dr hard
top. S/N 8413185101. White/tan vinyl. Odo:
72,939 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Highperformance
luxury car with Max Wedge engine
and cross ram intake. Acceptable paint with
A strong bid, but the car was worth a bit more
than was offered here. Another equally nice '58
Impala was bid to $100k with the same result.
I would not be surprised to see it try again in
Arizona in January.
#489-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S104328. Ermine
White/red vinyl. Odo: 57,545 miles. 283-ci
230-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. An original Corvette
with base engine and Powerglide automatic.
Power windows an unusual $60 option. Wellpreserved
paint with minor spidering, panel fit
respray needs to be rubbed out. Windshield
delaminating, arm rest and door sill worn. One
of fewer than 10,000 convertibles produced.
A cute “chickmobile.” Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$7,350. The Signet was Valiant's premium
range, but it was still a compact. Bucket seats
and full wheel covers were standard. This was
not a lot of money for a cute little car for your
daughter, and its lack of power will keep her
from impressing the local stud with her hot
foot. Use for a few years with no financial
downside.
#204-1964 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 40837S121755. Riverside Red/red
vinyl. Odo: 91,925 miles. 350-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Recent quality restoration in the correct
color. Original 327/300 engine out of car but
included in sale. Off-road exhaust, reproduction
knockoffs, new interior properly installed.
minor blemishes, chrome and brightwork decent.
Right rear window cracked, engine clean
with no noticeable issues. Fitted with six-way
power seats. An attractive letter car. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $41,475. This Chrysler 300G was
far from perfect, but it still should have sold for
more than it did here. Another $10k would not
have been out of line. Well bought.
#165-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 30837S104707. Sebring Silver/
black vinyl. Odo: 28,524 miles. 327-ci 340-hp
V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Comprehensive restoration
to high standard recently completed. Panel fit
exceeds factory specs, quality respray, new
to factory specs. Interior shows wear appropriate
for age and mileage, engine clean with no
leaks or streaks. A solid original car. Cond: 3.
SOLD AT $48,038. The price paid was about
right for a base-level 1960 Corvette. The key
here is how original is original, and checking
the numbers will tell for sure. If it all checks
out, the buyer found a nice surviving example
and made a solid investment.
#376-1960 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 00867S100933. Ermine
White & red/red vinyl. Odo: 60,260 miles. 283ci
250-hp fuel-injected V8, 4-sp. Recent respray
in the most popular color, as over a third of all
'60 Corvettes were Ermine White. Numerous
paint issues, window rubbers worn, brightwork
OK but not to show quality. Panel fit to factory
interior kit with minor fit issues. Original spinner
hubcaps fitted. Strong presentation of a
desirable Split-Window. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$60,900. Would place this in the well bought
column, as it could have easily brought another
$10k without raising an eyebrow. Kudos to the
buyer.
#97-1963 PLYMOUTH VALIANT Signet
convertible. S/N 1432653747. Aqua/white
vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 81,325 miles. Recent
standards, nicely fitted new interior, glass not
chipped or scratched. A decent fuelie 'Vette.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $61,950. These can sell for
well into six figures, but that typically requires
documentation and a much better restoration.
Without papers, the price paid here was about
70
chipped. Interior conversion gives car an odd
look. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $32,000. Why
spend the money messing with a decent convertible,
and why turn down a market-correct
bid for the car? This could have sold without
regret, but the seller was evidently looking for
a bigger margin.
#124-1965 FORD MUSTANG convert-
ible. S/N 5F08D165987. Wimbledon White/
black vinyl/black vinyl. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Early '65 Mustang with smaller 210-hp engine.
Sports Car Market
Good panel fit and brightwork, engine clean
and tidy. A striking Corvette. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $49,875. In addition to the price paid here,
the buyer has to get the original engine in Los
Angeles and have it installed. Add this in and
the price paid was about right for a #2 coupe.
Everyone should be happy here.
#388-1965 CADILLAC DEVILLE con-
vertible. S/N F5762930. Red/white vinyl/tan
leather. Odo: 86,223 miles. 429-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Decent respray over good panel fit. Dash
and seats “upgraded” with Eldorado pieces.
Engine clean with minor stains, chrome and
other brightwork good, glass not scratched or

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McCormick Auctions Palm Springs, CA
tires. Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $44,000. If
this were the real deal, it should have pushed
the $75k mark, but the market for clones, tributes,
and other fakey-doos is about the same
as for sub-prime mortgages. This one was done
as well as any I've seen of late, but I doubt if
the owner will get more than this price in this
market.
#158-1970 DODGE CHARGER R/T 2-dr
Decent respray with visible touch-up of a few
nicks. Fitted with Pony interior, Rally Pack
gauges, and luggage rack on trunk. Top shrunk,
window fit off, glovebox door scratched, trim
tarnished. A ten-footer at best. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $25,725. This Mustang had the look and
feel of a car that had been quickly prepped for
auction. A fresh coat of paint along with a few
goodies didn't hide its blemishes and pimples,
and the price paid was just about right, all
things considered.
#40-1965 BUICK RIVIERA 2-dr hard
top. S/N 494005H947039. Red/white vinyl.
Odo: 3,985 miles. 401-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Quickie respray loaded with orange peel.
Interior redone with inexpensive vinyl, glove
box door does not fit properly. Dash fit off,
window delaminating, trim tarnished and pitted.
Desirable style, but hard to say anything
nice here. A true fright pig. Cond: 4. SOLD AT
$8,663. 1965 was the last year for the original
Riviera body style, and many consider it to
be the most distinctive of the group. Sorted
examples sell in the $40k range, but this buyer
overpaid at less than a quarter of that. I don't
even know where to start with all that needed
to be done to get this half-way presentable. The
buyer could have bought a decent example with
the money he'll spend making this one right.
#375-1966 PONTIAC GTO 2-dr hard top.
S/N 242176P210023. Red/white vinyl/white
vinyl. Odo: 1,333 miles. 389-ci V8, 3x2-bbl,
4-sp. Pontiac Historical Services documented
Tri-Power 4-speed car, restoration completed
in 2003. Protect-O-Plate, correct “WS” engine,
rally gauges, factory custom wheel covers. Well
maintained paint, white top with slight discoloration,
very clean engine. A desirable and
well-documented GTO. Cond: 2+. NOT SOLD
AT $50,000. The final bid was well under the
stinger stripe atypical of factory production.
Quality respray, excellent brightwork, engine
heavily detailed. No documentation offered.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $110,250. Price guides
place 427/435 convertibles at over $150,000,
so you could say this was a bargain. On the
other hand, nothing was offered that documented
this as an original L71. If the numbers
come up matching, this was a great buy.
#381-1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS
Replica convertible. S/N 12467L450074.
Tuxedo Black & red/black vinyl/red vinyl.
Odo: 22,057 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp.
Quality restoration and conversion to SS
configuration. L78 375-hp engine, quality
respray with red bumble bee stripe, excellent
panel and top fit. Equipped with spoiler package,
power steering, disc brakes, and Redline
Price paid here was on the strong side, as this
R/T did not have the more-desirable V-code
Six-Pack engine, but it did have lots of eyeball,
which helped get the job done. Well sold, but no
harm to the buyer.
#103-1980 JEEP CJ5. S/N JOM83EC042345.
Yellow & purple/tan vinyl. Odo: 33,859 miles.
Tricked out for off-road activity. Interesting
paint scheme, comes with matching trailer and
kid's play toy. Optional 258-ci straight 6 engine,
money on this “no questions” well-documented
GTO. This could have easily brought another
$10k or so; the seller was right in keeping it.
#386-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S121115. Marina Blue
& black/blue vinyl. Odo: 3,336 miles. 427-ci
435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. A quality restoration
that appears a bit overdone. L71 engine option
originally cost $437. Panel fit better than new,
hard top. S/N XS29U0G165246. Top Banana
& black/black vinyl/black leather. Odo: 53,481
miles. 440-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. VIN decodes
as original 440 without desirable Six Pack.
Optional Special Edition package, but badge
pop-riveted in place. Striking paint with black
bumblebee stripe, straight body with good
panel fit. Trim pitted, window rubber not replaced
during restoration. Interior well done
with no issues. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $45,675.
4x4, lots of chrome goodies. Appears to have
been well maintained. Offered at no reserve.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $6,405. Price paid had to
have been less than the cost of the paint job. The
buyer got a bargain if it's something he can use
aside from hauling junk to the dump. ♦
72
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Bonhams London, UK
Important Collectors' Motor Cars
Revenues were down, though there were plenty of French and German
buyers in the room, thanks to the weakness of the pound against the euro
ENGLISH
TOP 10
No. 6
#624-1925 BENTLEY 3-LITER
Supersports Brooklands roadster.
S/N 1161. Eng. # 546. Green/black
leather. RHD. Odo: 9 miles. Coachwork by
Howarth. A typical Bentley that's lost its original
motor and been rebodied, but started as one
of 18 Supersports. Rebuilt to original specs,
although now fitted with strange high-level
An assorment of machines both racy and racing, typical of the December sale
Report and photographs by Paul Hardiman
Market opinions in italics
N
othing was going to top having the oldest Rolls-Royce in
the world in the lobby, as at last year's Olympia sale—
even the completely original Bugatti Type 57S Atalante
that Bonhams will sell in Paris in February.
That Royce helped Bonhams to sell more than $17 million of cars
last year, when the exchange rate was $2.06 to the pound. Twelve
months later the rate was $1.48, and understandably, revenues were
down, though there were plenty of French and German accents in the
room, thanks to the weakness of the pound against the euro.
James Knight got one of “The Spy Who Loved Me” Lotus
Esprits away to a collector in Atlanta after competitive bidding
raised the total to $165,020, but he also raised serious money on
important cars. A 1925 Bentley 3-Liter Supersports climbed past
its estimate to fetch $409,220 on the phone, with an American
buyer taking advantage of the 33% shift in exchange rates.
The imposing and very proper 1931 Bentley 8-Liter with
Sedanca deVille body by Mulliner raised $506,900, and of the big
cars, only the 1924 Hispano H6B coupe deVille, sharply bodied
by Kellner, and the 1913 Roi des Belges Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
tourer failed to sell.
Further down the scale, the ex-Marc Bolan “Plexi” Daytona
Sales Totals
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
Company
Bonhams
Date
December 1, 2008
Location
Olympia, London, England
Auctioneer
James Knight
Automotive lots sold / offered
60/97
Sales rate
62%
Sales total
$3,896,167
High sale
1931 Bentley 8-Liter Sedanca
de Ville, sold at $506,900
stalled at $230,000, and a fuel-injected '62 Corvette stayed with an
owner who paid a hefty $92,000
at Bonhams's Retromobile sale
last February. Neither of two
usable and inexpensive Ferrari
Boxers sold.
But the ex-Bernie Ecclestone Bentley S2 Flying Spur, one of
Buyer's premium
$5m
$10m
$15m
$20m
15% on the first $44,400,
10% thereafter, included in
sold prices ($1.48 = £1.00)
four Continentals at the sale, looked a super value at $55,944,
and the 2004 Koenigsegg CC8S seemed great value at $254,560,
after last October's $4 million McLaren F1 (which it will outrun).
And $21,275 was strong money for a '79 Pontiac Trans
Am Anniversary. Finally, an original and well-kept 1936 Alvis
3½-liter with four-door coachwork by Charlesworth realized the
expected $77,108. ♦
74
leather bench nicely worn in. Motor tidy but
not overpolished, nice lights, black canvas top
good. Owner says it fouls the number 1 plug if
left idling. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $99,900. On the
money for a driver (it had recently proceeded to
Switzerland and back following a $30k suspension/steering/brake
overhaul), and the motor
questions weren't serious enough to affect the
price—at least not yet.
Sports Car Market
exhaust. So shiny it looks just out of rebuild,
but done 20 years ago. Engine leaks less than
gearbox, throttle pedal now on the right. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $409,220. This blew past its
pre-sale high estimate of $330k to be secured
by an American bidder on the telephone who
was taking advantage of the shift in exchange
rates. U.K. buyers just couldn't keep up. Priced
about right in dollars, but needs a few years
to mellow.
#673-1925 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
I tourer. S/N 37HC. Eng. # VE45. Yellow/
black canvas/green leather. RHD. Odo: 21,710
miles. Originally a coupe, unknown tourer
body fitted in the early '70s and still good with
Brooks trunk to rear and Auster screen for
passenger. Older paint mostly good with a few
small cracks, alloy hood unblemished, green

Page 74

Bonhams London, UK
Our Cars
1940 Nash Ambassador Six
Convertible, Model 4021
TOP 10
No. 5
#651-1931 BENTLEY 8-LITER
sedanca de ville. S/N YM5034. Black
& cream/brown leather. RHD. Odo:
19,128 miles. Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner.
The only Sedanca de Ville body by Mulliner on
a long-wheelbase chassis, and remarkably still
together and with original registration number.
sold by Bonhams & Brooks in July '01 at $43,781
(SCM# 22970). Although this time sold slightly
above estimate, this price is slightly lower than
Aces have been going for recently—though the
AC-motored car is the least desirable version.
Perhaps Bonhams' estimate was conservative to
hedge its bets, but this looked like a decent deal.
#635-1962 BENTLEY S2 CONTINENTAL
Flying Spur saloon. S/N BC48CZ. Cream/
beige leather. RHD. Odo: 43,587 miles.
Coachwork by H.J. Mulliner. Nice overall,
with good panel and door fit. Chassis well
protected, exhaust good. Interior timber like a
mirror, seat leather a little baggy but is unworn.
Owner: Chip Lamb, Auction Analyst
Purchase date: May 5, 2008
Price: $31,400
Mileage since purchase: About 500
Recent work: Comprehensive brake rebuild, all
fluids changed, repaired overdrive relay and
controls.
I'm fortunate to know a local collector
car enthusiast by the name of Reggie Nash,
who's one of the more devoted patrons of the
defunct Kenosha marque.
During a lengthy engine overhaul on my
1940 LaSalle, I was able to borrow Reggie's
1941 Ambassador Six rag top to drive in a
William & Mary Alumni parade and take
some newlyweds for their first ride as man
and wife.
With its older restoration (now with almost
40 years of patina) and excellent drivability,
this car represented the best of both worlds in
a long-term keeper—not too perfect yet near
dead-on reliable. I wanted one. I finished up
my LaSalle and waited for something more
interesting to come along. It did.
I participate in an email roundtable with a
few other SCM contributors and collector car
personalities, one of whom is Bob Lichty of
Motorcar Portfolio in Canton, Ohio.
To my surprise, I discovered a 1940 Nash
Ambassador convertible was “coming soon”
to his inventory. I called Bob directly and set
up a time to see the car when it was repatriated
from England.
I bought the car after a short drive
around downtown Canton. It had—and still
has—plenty of needs, but it turns out that this
example is the sole survivor of its type, which
I did not know prior to my purchase.
It's an automotive afterthought in the
shadow of Full Classics, but I'm looking
forward to continuing its improvement for
years to come. ♦
Excellent body, door fit, and paint apart from
small amount of microblistering on scuttle top.
Leather nicely worn, engine concours but not
overdone. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $506,900. With
much spent on upkeep on an ongoing basis, this
car had no stories and sold for the expected
mid-estimate money. A blue-chip investment.
#657-1936 ALVIS 3½-LITER 4-dr sports
coupe. S/N 13140. Eng. # 13589. Green &
black/brown leather. RHD. Odo: 57,808 miles.
Coachwork by Charlesworth. Shiny paint with
a few small blemishes, but they don't matter.
Good headlights and plating, wheel discs not
Inoperative a/c. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $55,944.
Ex-Bernie Ecclestone, although that didn't cut
any ice here. This was not the most elegant of
the Continental bodies, and although the color
didn't help, this was a cracking buy considering
the market demands $75k-$135k for these.
Would have fetched more in its original red.
#607-1970 ASTON MARTIN DB6 Mk II
Vantage coupe. S/N DB6Mk24247R. Eng. #
4004582VC. Burnt Almond/tan leather. RHD.
Odo: 20,264 miles. Once the property of Innes
Ireland, who also owned a shooting brake in
the same color. Good all around with a few tiny
blemishes in paint, some enamel flaking off
too ripply, nicely aged leather. Not quite perfect
but not far off, and all the more appealing for it.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $77,108. The market likes
very original cars at the moment, so this was
always going to sell. Mid-estimate money and
a fair deal both ways.
#618-1958 AC ACE roadster. S/N AE440.
Eng. # CL2354W. Metallic blue/red leather.
RHD. Odo: 78,726 miles. Straight body following
rebuild in 1993. One small ding in top
of driver's door, nice paint has scratch in right
front fender. Leather fresh and carpets good,
unmarked wood rim wheel, very clean engine
compartment. Chrome wires fitted with aged
crossplies. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $119,436. Last
right-hand Vantage badge. Replacement cylinder
block fitted in the '90s. Leather well used
and creased but not cracking, sills straight and
solid underneath. Full-length Webasto sunroof.
Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $111,296. Sold just under
lower estimate. This had obviously been used
abroad, as there were beam converters on the
Hella H4s. Fair price for top-spec model in
good order.
#671-1972 ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE
convertible. S/N DRH12403. Brown/black
mohair/beige leather. RHD. Odo: 48,933 miles.
Fair appearance, repaint bubbling in a few
places and evidence of repair work in left rear
wheelarch. Beige leather creased, engine bay
dusty but original. Later alloys fitted. Cond: 3.
76
Sports Car Market

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Page 76

Bonhams London, UK
#619-1990 MINI COOPER RSP 2-dr
sedan. S/N SAXXNNAMBAD016957. Eng. #
12A2AF53100669. Red & white/black vinyl &
leather. RHD. Odo: 98 miles. The first incarnation
of the Rover-built continuation of Mini
Cooper, number 695 of 1,650 built. As-new, apart
from color-coded door mirrors and wheelarch
flares in orange peeled paint. Mileage appears
SOLD AT $36,593. A fair price for an older car
that someone tried to disguise with later wheels
and an Irish plate. Presumably the buyer had
seen the service history and convinced himself
the money had been spent in the right places.
#631-1975 ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE
2-dr sedan. S/N CRH20397. Eng. # 20397.
Anthracite/brown leather. RHD. Odo: 77,659
miles. Well kept example, with paint and
some new chrome in its past. Leather lightly
creased. Underside good, with new exhaust
from motor or trans, newish stainless-steel
exhaust, new or refurbished alloys. Overhauled
a/c may work. Nice number goes with car.
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $65,712. Originally supplied
to Greece, then in the U.S. by 1984. More
attractive than the Kenworth-headlight S1, and
it looked cheap for a usable but some-way-off
-concours big Ferrari. Fairly bought.
SWEDISH
#617-2004 KOENIGSEGG CC8S
targa. S/N YT9M1GV8D2007006.
Silver/gray suede & brown leather.
Odo: 6,020 km. Almost like new with slight use
evident on seats and small scuffs in sides that
are hidden when rear clamshell is down. Only
slight cosmetic issues include glue marks on
genuine. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $8,850. Bought
at Bonhams' Festival of Speed sale on July 11
this year, where it sold at $19,441, but rejected
by buyer's wife for having no power steering.
A relative bargain in time for Mini's 50th anniversary
in 2009.
ITALIAN
#672-1962 LANCIA FLAMINIA 3C GT
and Harvey-Bailey handling kit. Engine bay
tidy. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $25,530. A nice and
understated small-arch model. Seen last at
Christie's London in June '06, where it failed
to sell at $23,621 (SCM# 42183). This time it
brought just under the pre-sale estimate, which
was fair both ways.
#679-1976 LOTUS ESPRIT James Bond
coupe. S/N 76090187G. Eng. # 760913101.
White/tartan & green cloth. RHD. One of the
cars used in filming for “The Spy Who Loved
Me,” but maybe not the “famous” one, PPW
306R (SCM# 22460). Interior has been well retrimmed
as per film specs with plain rather than
tartan head restraints, but body restoration is
AMERICAN
rather than corrosion in alloy body. Floors OK,
vinyl seats a bit grubby, windshield cloudy at
corners. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $17,871. Not far
off the asking price, and although it looked
frightening, it appeared to be relatively solid
and mechanically up to snuff. Likely a rewarding
project.
#666-1967 FERRARI 330 GT 2+2 Series II
only average, with sink marks in various shades
of white paint, side moldings not hanging on
well, and oddly multicolored rear suspension.
Polished Wolfrace wheels sharp. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $165,020. If it's a Bond car, the
price jumps tenfold. Bonhams had obviously
been hoping for big bids, as this was “refer
department” in the catalog. This had been in
Germany, and was now bought by a collector
who will be taking it to Atlanta. See the profile,
p. 40.
78
coupe. S/N 10085. Rosso Rubino/black leather.
Odo: 97,995 km. Fair original order with better
fans, fuel pumps, etc. Some cracking in paint,
good original leather, dash all there. No leaks
screaming chicken sticker. No rust in floors,
exhaust looks relatively new. Several minor
scuffs in front bumper, alloys corroded, silver
vinyl seats still, er, silver... In the U.K. from
1989. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $21,275. Are they
worth this much back home? Perhaps the utter
naffness of the emasculated “Smokey and the
Bandit” era colors in the view of men of a certain
age, but I'd say very well sold. ♦
Sports Car Market
#675-1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM 10th
Anniversary coupe. S/N 2X87K9N175819.
Eng. # P9279259657822. Silver/silver vinyl.
Odo: 27,500 miles. 403-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Nice-ish original example, last of the 400s,
although the “K” in VIN denotes 403 Olds
rather than 400 Pontiac. Some chrome rubbing
off plastic side strips, dirt somehow under
coupe. S/N 824103457. Eng. # 823002175545.
Red/beige vinyl. Coachwork by Touring. Good
example of a cosmetically-challenged car in
regular use. Massive bubbling under 1996
repaint, but it's quite possibly a paint reaction
leather top of windshield surround and bonding
of roof glass—both hard to get right on
low-volume composite cars. Motor clean and
dry, no crash repair damage evident. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $254,560. This had been the Spanish
Koenigsegg importer's car and never before sold
to a private owner. This price was near the top
estimate, but looks like a total bargain compared
with a McLaren F1, which it will outrun.

Page 78

Auctions America Raleigh, NC
Winter 2008 Raleigh Classic
A mid-year Corvette traded within $1,000 of what it made at Mecum's
Kissimmee sale in January 2008
Company
Auctions America
Date
December 5–6, 2008
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Auctioneer
Brent Earlywine, Jeffrey Knosp
Automotive lots sold / offered
171/275
Sales rate
62%
Sales total
$4,920,374
High sale
1946 Buick Roadmaster
Cconvertible, sold at $116,640
Buyer's premium
8%, included in sold prices
1946 Buick Roadmaster made high sale at $116,640
Report and photos by Chip Lamb
Market opinions in italics
R
aleigh in winter isn't exactly a
tourist destination, unless you
veer way off Interstates 95, 85,
or 40 to visit Aunt Flo and Uncle Pete
on your way to Florida.
But the dearth of distractions, such as casinos,
beaches, swapmeets, or concours, makes it a better-thanaverage
venue for a collector car auction, especially for
the Leith brothers.
Semi-retired, Michael and Dave Leith make the
rounds of major sales, taking in interesting trade-ins at
their multi-brand new-car stores, and offering the best in
biannual sales held on the grounds of the North Carolina
State Fairgrounds each June and December. Their reputation,
along with regular nationwide marketing and a
professional staff, add up to a well-oiled machine.
Autumn 2008 was a period of financial turbulence
everywhere, as Wall Street and the credit markets felt
for the bottom of the pool and the federal government
bailed out many financial entities. The forecast going
into winter's Raleigh auction was far bleaker than other
earlier sales.
Early indications of the financial impact the crises
might have on the collector car market had already appeared,
but motivated consignors and bidders checked
in Thursday and Friday to inspect the inventory and
participate in this final major sale of 2008. Friday's
80
proceedings began with 40-plus all-Mopar lots, and early indicators
were encouraging, both in prices paid and the percentage of lots to
change hands.
Such enthusiasm was sustained throughout the day, and the final
result for the nearly 140 cars and motorcycles offered was well into the 60th
percentile, with the high sale being a brand-new 2008 Shelby KR at nearly $85,000,
plus an 8% buyer's premium.
Saturday's portion fielded a variety of interesting low-mileage and rare examples
that ranged from a few early sub-$5,000 lots to the high sale of the weekend, a 1946
Buick Roadmaster convertible that fetched just over $116,000. Restored by Jenkins
in North Wilkesboro, NC, it was a stunning piece of post-war American luxury
motoring. Not far behind, a 1927 Cadillac Phaeton in good tour-ready condition
broke the $90,000 barrier and sold for just under six figures, including commission.
Rounding out third place was another Buick
convertible—this time a 1957 Roadmaster in
white—which brought $82,860.
Sellers must have been pleased that the
Sales Totals
twelve-month picture had not significantly deteriorated.
Indeed, a mid-year Corvette traded
hands within $1,000 of its hammer price during
Mecum's January 2008 Kissimmee sale,
and buyers were able to snap up some great
deals from overly pessimistic consignors. If
this trend continues, the price of quality collector-grade
automobiles seems likely to rise, as
another tier of smart investors chooses rolling
artwork to protect their hard-earned money. ♦
$1m
$2m
$3m
$4m
$5m
2008
2007
Sports Car Market

Page 80

Auctions America Raleigh, NC
ENGLISH
#406-1937 MG TA roadster. S/N
TA1538DEL950. Red/tan cloth/black vinyl.
RHD. Odo: 30,609 miles. Beautiful newer paint
exhibits light scratches and swirls. Chrome and
brightwork older and overbuffed, ancient 19inch
tires on correct painted wires. Old tan cloth
top likely rarely erected, black vinyl seat material
a much coarser grain than original leather.
New carpet a nice touch, but hand-painted
gauge faces are strictly Sunday school efforts.
Engine compartment detailing older and could
use a light refreshing. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$28,620. Pre-war MGs without superchargers
are just rather slow little country-lane cruisers,
and there are few such lanes remaining in the
Colonies. This was little more than a good driver
needing much for show. The seller seemed a bit
taken aback when he cut his reserve off, but I'd
say this was slightly well sold.
#220-1954 MG TF roadster. S/N
HDP461808. Eng. # XPAGTF31809. Red/black
vinyl/red leather. Odo: 82,276 miles. Older
repaint exhibits no serious flaws, just a few
lacquer pits and/or breaks from dent removal
evident on hood. Chrome and brightwork
largely comprehensively redone and exhibit
only slight pitting on top surfaces. Black vinyl
top dates to restoration and is attractive with
tonneau cover present. Older red leather might
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 53,663 miles. Older
white paint features light swirl marks, chips,
and edge wear. Excellent convertible top correct
and could be original, interior likewise tidy
with few flaws. Chrome and brightwork in very
good nick with evidence of light overbuffing.
Steel wheels with Redline tires and trim rings
look correct. Engine compartment features an
older restoration unwound from show quality
but still in above-driver condition. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $18,630. Last seen at eBay/Kruse's
Sunrise, Florida sale in 2002, where it sold
at $8,000 (SCM# 26715). If a well-preserved
original, this was a remarkable car, although
the consignor claims a full restoration was
documented. Since no evidence of this was
present, I'd venture a guess of something in
between the two, with some elements obviously
restored and other bits hardy and well-kept
originals. An above-average driver example
in cleanable local British car show condition
throughout, and a good price for both parties.
FRENCH
#223-1977 CITROëN 2CV6 Club con-
vertible.
S/N
VF7AZKA00KA363567.
White/black vinyl/gray cloth. Odo: 42,852 km.
Beautiful original paint, body gaps as-built,
bumper paint and plastic grille lightly marred.
Black roll-back convertible top without evident
flaws, gray cloth seats feature interlacing
blue, red, and yellow stripe pattern and remain
largely as-built. Engine compartment clean,
undetailed, and reflects recent service. Cond:
2. NOT SOLD AT $8,600. Brought to auction
gray-market car, there were plenty of interested
suitors that bid the car to about its market-correct
price.
GERMAN
#408-1956 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2
Transporter 23-Window microbus. S/N
162681. Chestnut brown & sealing wax red/tan
vinyl. Odo: 95,921 miles. Recent restoration to a
high standard. Chrome and brightwork slightly
dull, but originally not much more brilliant.
Interior very tidy and correct, exhibiting slight
use since resto. Roof rack with surfboard a nice
touch. Engine bay cleaner than most. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $53,460. Restored a few years ago
by an SCMer buddy of mine who recently set a
record price with his $41,800 Fiat Multipla in
Hilton Head, this bus was no less exceptional
in quality or price realized. The entire room,
though somewhat cleared out by this point in
the afternoon, thoroughly enjoyed the run-up in
price that this experienced during its five minutes
of fame. Well sold, but not poorly bought.
#237-1975 MERCEDES-BENZ 280C
coupe. S/N 11407312105875. Medium blue
metallic/blue leather. Odo: 52,578 miles.
Recent exterior respray appears to have been
executed to a high standard with glass removed.
Bumpers heavily scratched, some brightwork
appears to have been replaced but original bits
are cloudy. Interior average, with seat horsehair
pad degradation common to this model, one
be original and shows light wear to driver's seat
but nice patina otherwise. Engine compartment
shows older detailing with some unwinding
from use. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $24,270. The
TF was the most civilized pre-MG A offering,
and this example was very honest in its overall
presentation. Fit for plenty of driving or even
a local British car event without any real attention
required in most respects, it sold at a
price that was hard to pass up, even on a chilly
December day.
#195-1976 TRIUMPH TR6 convertible.
S/N CF55180U. Old English White/black
82
by a Georgia-based SCMer, this German-market
example of a mid-range 2CV was not the
usual tarted up Charleston or tatty over-used
Parisian runabout seen on these shores, but
rather an unusual original automobile. The
factory paint was documented mostly by various
decals applied in period. Although this was
not the best sale in the country for an unusual
crack down center of blue dashboard. Engine
bay unrestored and slightly rough, but factory
a/c and cruise control are nice options. Cond:
3-. SOLD AT $3,780. Mercedes' first production
twin-cam six found its way into the S-class
and select W114 chassis cars starting in the
early 1970s. This was a prime example of some
of the more problematic engine development
Untertuerkheim had to offer, especially in the
United States, and with the crustiness of the
engine compartment and the less than stellar
interior, the price paid was market correct.
Sports Car Market

Page 82

Auctions America Raleigh, NC
#345-1983 PORSCHE 911SC convert-
ible. S/N WP0EA0918DS171636. Guards
Red/black cloth/tan vinyl. Odo: 110,572 miles.
Exterior repaint done to a high standard but
does not extend far into jambs, which exhibit
more than passable overspray. Broken driver
door check a typical and normally cheap 911
repair. Black cloth top in good condition, tan
SWEDISH
#185-1965 VOLVO P1800 coupe. S/N
13384. Light yellow/black leather & vinyl.
Odo: 84,022 miles. Well-preserved exterior
paint completely original, chrome and
brightwork likewise original but exhibiting
typical spidering and pitting. Nice black leather
for the audience, this price may have been a
bit light.
#380-1946 BUICK ROADMASTER
convertible. S/N 14496262. Maroon metallic/
black cloth/red & gray leather. Odo: 262 miles.
Gorgeous concours example without evident
flaws to paint or body anywhere. Finish quality
well beyond as-built, chrome and brightwork
uniform and without even slight imperfections.
Top and interior similar, although original
rubber floor mat is slightly weak. Engine bay
in concours condition with only minor indications
of wear. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $116,640.
vinyl interior and gauges faded, carpet appears
fresh. Engine bay tidy and reflects claims of
recent thorough overhaul. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $19,340. This SC was just a typical driver
example with plenty of cosmetic needs. This
was huge money, and I was willing to bet it was
bought by a couple of guys who were taken in
by the brilliant red and a top that went down.
All the money and more. Well sold.
ITALIAN
#181-1979 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER
VELOCE 2000 convertible.
S/N
AR115410008482. Dark green/tan cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 3,344 miles. Original dark-green
paint exhibits light lacquer checking on top
surfaces, which is probably unavoidable at this
hides on front seats show wear commensurate
with mileage, dashboard dusty but complete
with period underdash a/c and Blaupunkt radio.
Engine bay tidy, unrestored, and complete,
exhibiting recent care and tasteful upgrades,
including a Sanden a/c compressor. Cond: 3+.
SOLD AT $14,580. Having owned more than
one exceptionally original Swedish car of the
period, I can relate to the seller's angst with
regard to this particular car. Finding a buyer
anywhere would seem a challenge, but this
venue represented the right match at a marketcorrect
price.
AMERICAN
#368-1937 HUDSON TERRAPLANE
utility coupe. S/N 706853. Maroon/tan wool.
Odo: 59,015 miles. Older restoration still
exhibits good detail with excellent paint and
body throughout. Nice chrome not oversanded,
good detail to intricate aspects of front grille.
Possibly original and very correct interior,
dash, and floor. Pull-out rear “pickup bed” exceptional.
Engine compartment appears older
but still extremely presentable. Cond: 2. SOLD
AT $30,780. Last seen at eBay/Kruse Fort
stage. Double dealer-installed aftermarket rub
strips down both sides singularly unappealing.
Brightwork lightly overbuffed, factory alloys
dull. Mint condition cloth top likely never up,
tan leather seats only slightly dry from age,
carpets fresh, including period Cocomats.
Accessory wood steering wheel and shift knob
do not appear period. Engine bay tidy but missing
oil cap. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $11,880. I've
heard of Alfa oil caps growing legs at auction
venues, but here there wasn't so much as an
oily rag stuffed into that orifice until shortly
before the time the car arrived on the block.
Not a remarkable Alfa, aside from the obviously
authentic low mileage exhibited, and the
cosmetics appeared to have suffered somewhat
in the interim. Nearly didn't sell across the
block, but the reserve came off just in time.
84
The morning before the sale, when this car
was parked on the ramp for center-stage
display, two enthusiastic prospective bidders
then decided to raise the hood, not realizing
that Buicks of this generation pivot on one
side or the other. The hood came off the car
and hit the left front fender rather hard. While
the slight damage initially looked terrible, it
was compounded out, and this car sold for an
undamaged amount. Well bought.
#115-1949 DODGE WAYFARER road-
ster. S/N 37052231. Maroon/tan cloth/brown
vinyl. Odo: 448 miles. 20-year-old restoration
exhibits more wear and deterioration from storage
than use. Scuffs and buffer marks evident in
paint, chrome lightly pitted, limited brightwork
similar. Tan cloth top well-preserved, side rails
and joints drooping. Seat vinyl likely cruder
Lauderdale in January '02, where it sold at
$16,250 (SCM# 24991). A very cool piece, and
as soon as the trunk was opened on the block
and the bed was pulled out, the bids started
pouring in. The recipient of a long-ago AACA
award, this very interesting piece had not deteriorated
as badly as many similarly hiddenaway
cars with similar distinctions, and given
the cool factor and the demonstration provided
than original, dash presentable, having once
been restored. Engine compartment detailing
dates to restoration, and is comprehensive but
dusty. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $20,250. One of
275 true roadster Dodge Wayfarers with side
curtains, this 1989 AACA Class winner probably
has but 448 miles on its restoration. It's a
shame that it saw little to no use during these
past years, but the buyer got a bit of a deal at
this price for a rare piece of early post-war
American history.
#140-1950 CHRYSLER NEWPORT Town
& Country 2-dr hard top. S/N 7412031.
Medium green metallic & wood/green leather
Sports Car Market

Page 84

Auctions America Raleigh, NC
& tan Bedford cord. Odo: 2,278 miles. Older
comprehensive restoration still excellent, with
uniform paint and body alignment throughout.
Slight waviness in finish evident around edges
and roof gutters but nothing overly troubling.
Chrome likewise well done, but with pitting
on door trim and light staining on bumpers.
Interior completely flawless and very fresh
throughout. Engine compartment restored
some time ago and could use a fresh detailing.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $79,920. First seen
at RM's Phoenix sale in January '04, where it
sold at $55,000 (SCM# 32439), later seen at
Worldwide's Seabrook sale in May '06, where
it sold at $67,100 (SCM# 41534). This was an
impressive price for a non-convertible, smallerbody
Town & Country. Though it still sported
real wood, the overall restoration showed signs
of light to moderate use, and while well cared
for, it would require freshening before being
shown. Slightly well sold.
#101-1955 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL 2-dr
hard top. S/N C559080. White/white leather
& gold cloth. Odo: 47,878 miles. 331-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Older comprehensive restoration
unwinding from use. Finish exhibits numerous
small chips and some edge wear, front
bumper lightly stained, chrome and brightwork
exhibit waviness, some small trim items pitted.
paint still shows well, chrome thin and exhibits
heavy scratching on bumpers and trim.
Brightwork dinged and somewhat dull. Vinyl
interior retrimming brings the car down a peg,
looking more nautical than automotive. Dash
decent but rear shelf very weak. Engine bay
shows recent detailing but not to show-quality
standards. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $35,340.
Last seen at Worldwide's Houston sale in May
'08, where it sold at $49,500 (SCM# 116600).
Although a documented, high-option 300E
from new including factory a/c, Autronic Eye
headlight dimmer, and signal-seeking radio,
this example had plenty of weak points ranging
from the wire-brushed front bumper to the
Boston Whaler interior. Selling at no reserve,
the price was possibly a little high given the
needs present.
#225-1959 EDSEL CORSAIR 4-dr sedan.
S/N B9US734348. Gray metallic/black vinyl
& gray cloth. Odo: 14,753 miles. 361-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Original gray metallic paint in excellent
condition throughout. Beautiful chrome
and brightwork exhibit only slight scratching
along stainless trim on sides. Interior near-mint
and totally original from front to back. Engine
steering wheel, switches, and dashboard. Engine
compartment similarly over-restored and wellpreserved
since. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $17,500.
Reputedly once the property of a retired engineer
who restored both this and a similar convertible
to an over-the-top level, this example was definitely
one of the best non-ragtop Mets I've seen
in a long time. Bid was nearly out of the park,
but for this one it was money well spent.
#428-1963 STUDEBAKER HAWK Gran
Turismo 2-dr hard top. S/N 63V1837. Black/
black & white vinyl. Odo: 7,117 miles. 289-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. All-original example exhibits
only light surface pitting underneath paintwork.
Chrome stunning, brightwork similar, slight
fading to original emblems and trim. Interior
still very crisp. Reputedly original Vogue tires
Possibly original interior very presentable, engine
compartment detailed many years ago and
shows years of use since. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT
$22,920. The old faded Imperial Club sticker
on the front bumper attested to this car's history.
It was likely a low-miles original that was
refreshed and toured over the years, and if the
mechanicals are still strong, that could be a
good way to continue enjoying this piece. Well
bought and sold, especially as the first lot of
the sale.
#122-1959 CHRYSLER 300E 2-dr hard
top. S/N M591100687. Cream/tan vinyl.
Odo: 76,686 miles. 413-ci V8, 2x4-bbl, auto.
Older mostly-comprehensive restoration coming
apart and showing its age. High-quality
86
compartment also unmolested aside from a
generic new battery. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT
$10,500. While a sleeper preservation example
of the last gaudy Edsel, it was the same color
as a battleship and reminded people why certain
cars of this era carry the moniker “land
yacht.” It also had four doors and very few
comfort and convenience items, so while it has
gone just 300 or so miles in the last 38 years,
chances are it will not go much further anytime
soon. The high bid was likely enough.
#320-1962 METROPOLITAN coupe. S/N
E88324. Berkshire Green & white/white vinyl &
black cloth. Odo: 1,606 miles. Comprehensive
restoration of a last-year model Metropolitan
exhibits only minor light stains and blemishes
throughout. Chrome and brightwork excellent
aside from lightly overbuffed Continental kit
surround ring and thin plating on taillight trim.
Interior considerably better than new including
accent original caps well. Engine bay cruddy
and only lightly detailed maybe 20 or so years
ago. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $57,780. The second
sub-10,000-mile Studebaker in as many
months, this also took high honors in the price
department regardless of venue or the prevailing
winds on Wall Street. Built right about the
time that Studebaker moved out of South Bend,
this had clearly been both built and preserved
well. Well sold.
#386-1966 FORD THUNDERBIRD
convertible. S/N 6Y85Z109557. Black/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 92,937 miles. 390ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Older restoration still a
lustrous black on the outside with only minor
scuffs and scratches to detract. Chrome redone,
brightwork largely original and looks the part.
Incorrect rear decklid rack with overbuffed
chrome looks tacky, Sports Roadster parade
boot fitted. Interior tidy, but front seatbacks
don't match left to right. Engine bay dressed
with tons of aftermarket or applied chrome
plating. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $44,280. This is
the sort of car that one sees at local cruise-in
nights attracting gobs of attention. Perhaps
the end user was in the room, or maybe it
was bought by a dealer who had one or two
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Auctions America Raleigh, NC
as far as claims like that go, this was completely
believable. With no heater, it's no wonder it was
delivered new to Hawaii, and with any luck, it
was not used on any old U.S. Army Air Force
base runways a quarter-mile at a time. Nicely
done and slightly well sold.
#131-1970 PLYMOUTH 'CUDA 2dr
hard top. S/N BS23U0B170320.
Copper bronze metallic/white vinyl/
prospects on the hook for such a thing. Only
in the Southeast or Gulf Coast would this bring
anything like this kind of money, and there was
not even a hint of a Johnny Cash connection to
be found. Well sold.
#133-1967 PLYMOUTH GTX 2-dr hard
top. S/N RS23L77236610. Medium blue metallic/blue
vinyl. Odo: 62,684 miles. 440-ci V8,
4-bbl, auto. Excellent paint appears fresh and
uniform throughout, chrome brilliant although
some brightwork appears overbuffed. Interior
near-mint except for chrome on console lid
pitting in typical fashion. Engine bay exhibits
older detailing over a restoration that has
unwound down to incorrect dirty parts-store
battery. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $44,280. A similar
GTX in this color and in more original condition
failed to sell here last year at a high bid
of $53,000. This example sold at just below
two-thirds of that car's number, and the seller
should still be happy for a number of reasons.
Slightly well bought.
#111-1969 DODGE DART GTS 2-dr
hard top. S/N LS23H9B396577. Medium
blue metallic/black vinyl/white vinyl. Odo:
77,753 miles. 383-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Highquality
comprehensive restoration throughout.
Excellent paint and panel gaps, correct vinyl top
in place. Chrome and brightwork also nice, with
few exceptions limited to anodized aluminum.
Dashboard and console appear original, seats
redone. Engine compartment sports proper and
thorough detailing, heater-delete interesting.
Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $32,940. The miles on
this example were claimed to be original, and
absolutely correct aside from some very minor
details removing it from as-built. Cond: 1-.
SOLD AT $58,320. Trophies adorned the back
seat and rear footwell, and mirrors outside
the car showed a concours-quality underbody.
Oh, but how the mighty have fallen. One in a
non-flourescent hue with the Six Pack under
the hood would have been through the roof yesterday,
and they still command a decent price
today. There was a claim of matching numbers,
and if that is in fact the case, this was a fairly
stellar buy at just over replica money.
#209-1975 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 1Z67J5S431641. Light blue
metallic/white vinyl/black vinyl & cloth. Odo:
61,715 miles. 350-ci 205-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Older repaint exhibits light scratching and
surface defects, gaps as good as when new.
Brightwork likely original and in very good
condition, white top wrinkled, interior appears
comprehensively restored with few faults.
MSD ignition fitted. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT
$12,960. Last seen at Motley's Richmond sale
in April '08, where it sold for $8,856 (SCM#
116579). This car used to belong to a friend of
mine who drove it on long highway trips, racking
up a good percentage of the total mileage
on this car in just a few short years. Cadillac
people are hot for one-year period Firemist
paint colors that are still attractive today, and
combined with the extremely low documented
mileage, this has to be considered well bought.
#315-1979 PONTIAC TRANS AM coupe.
S/N 2W87K9N108889. Orange/red vinyl.
Odo: 31,084 miles. 400-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Original paint and “Screaming Chicken” decals
still very crisp. Correct paint mismatch on
Endura bumpers, fuel filler door slightly out
of alignment. Limited brightwork without any
black vinyl. Odo: 1,560 miles. 440-ci V8, 3x2bbl,
auto. An over-the-top restoration. Paint
and body executed to the highest standards,
white vinyl top correct and contrasts with wide
stripe. Chrome excellent, brightwork shows
some light marring from installation. Interior
near-flawless throughout, engine compartment
behind something other than a 454. Initially
unsold across the block, it found a home postsale.
As a boulevard cruiser attractive to most,
this was not a bad deal, but there's not much
more upside in it.
#212-1975 CADILLAC ELDORADO
convertible. S/N 6L67S5Q409386. Cerise
Firemist Metallic/white vinyl/white leather.
Odo: 31,927 miles. 500-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Beautiful original paint in places, other areas
either resprayed or heavily buffed. Chrome and
brightwork original and still very presentable
throughout, white vinyl top without defects.
Light wear to heavily scrubbed, all-original
interior, but no flaws evident to the naked eye.
Engine bay tidy with unattractive decals on air
cleaner. Aluminum radiator and aftermarket
Engine bay a mixture of original components
and mostly-correct accessories. Cond: 2-.
SOLD AT $20,960. With factory a/c and in an
attractive color combination for the period, this
last-year Corvette convertible in the C3 build
had plenty going for it, at least until you look
between the seats and see the automatic shifter
March 2009
defects but slightly dull from age. Underhood
very original with older detail work. Cond: 2.
SOLD AT $22,140. A remarkable original,
and the antithesis of the black and gold Bandit
version. As such, the bids ran through the
reserve and even surpassed it by a few. There
was a lot to like here, which is interesting to
contrast against the relative lack of enthusiasm
over a 1979 Corvette with nearly 30,000 fewer
miles on it. ♦
87

Page 86

Bonhams & Goodman Sydney, AUS
Important Sports, Competition, & Collectors' Cars
With the Australian dollar down against the U.S. dollar, numerous foreign
accents were in the room, all attached to buyers keen for a bargain
ENGLISH
#55-1922 BENTLEY 3-LITER Blue Label
tourer. S/N 142. Eng. # 139. Green & black/
black canvas/red leather. RHD. Last repainted
and retrimmed in 1968, and body now shows
chips, marks, and wear nearly everywhere. Fair
panel fit for age, canvas top in good condition.
Jim Clark sat here—this Lotus 25 brought nearly $1m
Report and photos by Chris Bowden
Market opinions in italics
T
he late John Dawson-Damer gave Australia's Bonhams
& Goodman its most successful auto auction ever on
November 16. Of the 25 automotive lots consigned, only
five remained unsold after post-auction negotiations.
With the Australian dollar down 20%–30% against the U.S.
dollar, numerous foreign accents were in the room, all of them
keen for a bargain. Motoring icons like Tony Gaze, Doug Nye,
Paul Vesty, and Patrick Van Schoote were given suitable treatment
by Bonhams's James Knight.
Dawson-Damer's loyal mechanics fussed about the cars dur-
ing the preview to ensure his legacy was properly presented, and
an unseasonably cool day helped to keep the room to a reasonable
temperature. The first automotive lot was a BRG Lotus Eleven,
which set the pace for the auction at a strong $87,869. Straight
after, a Sunbeam Alpine Le Mans replica was snapped up by an
Australian collector for $26,361. Australia's first Bentley, a 1922
3-Liter, would have been the headline act, if it weren't for the
Dawson-Damer cars, but it sold for a very reasonable $135,464.
The next six vehicles from the Dawson-Damer Collection
Sales Totals
Company
Bonhams & Goodman
Date
November 16, 2008
Location
Sydney, Australia
Auctioneer
Tim Goodman
Automotive lots sold / offered
20/25
Sales rate
80%
Sales total
$3,287,575
High sale
drew Lotus enthusiasts from all over the world, with Jim Clark's
1962 Lotus 25 championship car
the top sale at $988,524. Some
cars, like the 1969 Lotus Type 63
for $146,448, were declared a bargain,
while others, like the 1978/79
Lotus 79, returned a healthy $373,442. The rest are open to debate
that only time will settle.
The $252,623 that the 1928/45 Alfa Romeo Special commanded
1965 Lotus 25 Formula One,
sold at $988,524
Buyer's premium
$500k
$1m
$1.5m
$2m
$2.5m
$3m
$3.5m
88
13%, included in sold prices
($.65 = $1 AUD)
2008
2007
2006
will never make sense outside Australia, but the new owner lives a
few blocks from the family who owned it for 80 years, so it makes
sense to him. The 1938 Lagonda V12 saloon was out of place, but
most of the English classics found new homes. Overall, the family
of John Dawson-Damer must have been happy to see that most of
his cars stayed in Australia. ♦
with some tastefully done upgrades. Comes
with a heap of receipts and invoices as well
as logbooks. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $69,563.
This nice old cruiser had a ton of eyeball. If
they had hidden the CD player under the dash,
all of the little tricks and upgrades performed
would have raised a few golf claps from even
the staunchest Bentley Boy. Local celebrity
ownership, plenty of receipts, and a dash of old
world appeal made this well bought.
#66-1952 ALTA 1.5-LITER GRAND
PRIX Supercharged racer. S/N 010GS4819.
Eng. # 1111. Red/tan leather. Incorrect paint
Sports Car Market
Cond: 3. SOLD AT $135,464. The first Bentley
to be brought into Australia, this lovely car had
done an estimated 700,000 miles over the last
86 years. A rolling tribute to aging gracefully,
the last family's 66 years of ownership served
the car well. Definitely not everyone's cup of
tea, but I'm sure the Bentley Boys would think
it was well bought.
#70-1951 BENTLEY Mk VI drophead
coupe. S/N B14MD. Eng. # B7M. Red &
white/red canvas/red leather. RHD. Coachwork
by Park Ward. Nice paint would benefit from a
light polish, chrome excellent, retrim starting to
show some wear. Wood trim in good condition
with only the slightest of wear. New CD player
looks out of place. Underhood presents well,

Page 88

Glovebox Notes
A brief look at cars of interest that have passed
through the SCM stable. HHHHH is best.
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport V6
Price as tested: $25,499
Likes: Sharp redesign of stodgy predecessor
with Land Rover LR3 overtones. 3.2-liter,
230-hp, VTEC V6 is sufficient. Multiple airbags,
ABS, traction control, intuitive dash.
Conveniently small overall, but decent back
seat and fair trunk thanks to outside spare on
side-hinged door. Obvious off-road capabilities,
and ready for snow and ice with locking
4WD, hill-holder, and hill descent. Competitive
price.
Gripes: Mileage only average (18/23); cloth
upholstery feels fragile for the kind of use this
will probably get. Back door hinged on curb
side, which hinders loading.
Fun to drive: HHH
Fun to look at: HHH
Overall experience: HHH
Verdict: Grandson of Geo Tracker has grown
up well. Worthwhile alternative to CR-V
and RAV4, despite poorer mileage.—Paul
Duchene
2009 Mazda CX-7
Grand Touring AWD
looking good and showing few minor marks
from removing and refitting panels. Underhood
presentation very nice, with minimal bling and a
purposeful feel. Gauges not all in keeping with
period, crotch-area gearbox location wrought
with “what if” scenarios. Incorrect motor for
chassis. An impossibly good looking racer.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $146,448. The fact that this
was essentially an Alta mutt was easily forgotten.
Think baby 250F Maserati and you're on
the right path. Wrong this and wrong that, but
who cares? It was gorgeous and everyone loved
it. It read as though the car's been dormant
since 1996, so a thorough check-up would be
prudent before going to the track. Even though
this price was well above the conservative high
estimate, it's still well bought assuming it's mechanically
sound. If not, so what? Invite your
mates around to stare at it.
#53-1957 LOTUS ELEVEN Le Mans
Series I sports racer. S/N MK1267. Eng.
# FWA69644007. Green/black. RHD.
Much older restoration. Paint and trim good
enough for a racer, hanging panels fitted
nicely for a lightweight Lotus. Body has
just enough small dents and ripples to prove
it's aluminum. In a museum for a number
The first of the Dawson-Damer collection to hit
the block, this rare Type 16 had been owned
by the family since 1971. One of the last frontengined
F2 cars, and its benign handling characteristics
and the not-too-powerful Climax
engine would make it a very enjoyable historic
racer—although it needs to be repowered for
eligibility in its correct class, which may prove
to be expensive. Well bought if you can use it
as-is, and about right once you have sourced
the correct engine.
#64-1961 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER
CLOUD II convertible. S/N SVB99. Eng. #
642CS. Silver gray/black canvas/red leather.
RHD. Excellent paint in non-original color,
superb chrome, very nice panel fit. Wood trim
starting to show wear around driver's area,
beautiful leather could benefit from some
Price as tested: $34,375
Likes: Sporty 2.3-liter turbocharged and directinjected
244-hp four is quick, Active Torque
Split AWD system works well both on wet
pavement and in deep snow. Comfortable
leather interior for four (but a bit tight for
five), plenty of cargo capacity even with split
rear bench raised.
Gripes: Silly credit card key needs to be studied
for each unlock (and try that in the dark).
Premium fuel and 16/22 mpg unacceptable.
Car-like styling an acquired taste.
Fun to drive: HHH
Fun to look at: HH
Overall experience: HHH
Verdict: Well-balanced, sporty feel and some
utility, excellent crash ratings, competitively
priced, with laundry list of luxury options.
Give me the same performance with better
mileage, and lose the credit card key before I
do.—Jim Pickering
maintenance. Excellent restoration let down
by slight trim issues. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT
$106,175. A very classy old drophead that has
had a lot of money thrown at it. I'm guessing
the trim was done the same time as the body,
and the leather hadn't aged as well as the rest
of the car. The new owner paid for the restoration
and got the car for free. Well bought at just
above low estimate.
#54-1962 SUNBEAM ALPINE Le Mans
of years; no mention was made concerning its
last outing. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $87,869. An
afternoon of lavishing attention on this pretty
little classic racer would really make it sparkle,
but that might take away from its very British
“run it and leave it” feel. If only in need of a
light recommissioning, then well bought; if in
need of a complete rebuild, it could be scary.
#56-1959 LOTUS 16 Formula 2 racer.
S/N 366. Eng. # FPF430271306. Green/black.
Rare front-engined F2 racer with good period
history. Wear and tear around lower nose cone,
recently polished paint in good condition.
Steering wheel showing wear from years of
use, incorrect 2.5-liter engine fitted. Good older
restoration. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT $226,994.
90
Sports Car Market
Replica roadster. S/N B9111678LRXSB.
Eng. # HCM13722. Green & white/white/black
vinyl. RHD. High-quality re-creation commissioned
by a well-known car collector. Very
small chips and marks in paint, attractive trim
relatively unmarked, brightwork still in reasonable
condition. Correct bits include seat belts.
Reportedly both well maintained and mechanically
strong. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $26,361. An

Page 89

Bonhams & Goodman Sydney, AUS
excellent re-creation of Sunbeam's 1961 Le
Mans efforts. In sharp condition overall, with
nice little period touches and clever engineering
throughout. The new owner should be very
happy. Well bought.
TOP 10
No. 2
#58-1962 LOTUS 25 Formula
One racer. S/N R4. Eng. #
FMMV4996. Green & yellow/
red vinyl. Freshly restored by Lotus, with paint,
chrome, interior, and engine detailing looking
better than new. Would need fettling, but who
doesn't? No spark plug wires fitted. Cond: 1.
SOLD AT $998,524. This is guaranteed to get
SOLD AT $234,317. Rare doesn't always make
for desirable, as this car's Tasman series configuration
made it ineligible for many historic
classes. The car's patina made for an excellent
contrast with the brand new 25 sitting next to it.
Unfortunately for Australia, the car is heading
overseas to Tasmania. Well bought.
#67-1967 ASTON MARTIN DB6 Vantage
Volante convertible. S/N DB63660R.
Aquamarine/blue canvas/cream leather. RHD.
Paint shows chips and obvious sinkage on most
panels. Trim crying out for attention, as is the
rest of the car. Late-model CD player looks out
you a start in any applicable event, as not only
is it the 1963 F1 world championship-winning
car, but the driver was the great Jim Clark.
Among its many accolades, the chassis holds
the lofty title of the most successful Lotus chassis
Jim ever raced. On a purely subjective level,
this must be one of the top 100 cars of all time,
and taking that into perspective, I'm calling it
very well bought by a local Clark enthusiast.
#65-1962 LOTUS 22 Formula Junior
racer. S/N 005. Yellow/bare aluminum.
Paint extremely tired, with chips, marks
and wear everywhere you look. No motor
or wiring, incorrect wheels. An extensive
restoration project. Cond: 4. SOLD AT
$38,443. One of the mysteries of the auction.
of place. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $314,863. With
very thick skin and poor eyesight, you could
drive this car as-is. Anyone else without those
afflictions would have to strip this baby back
and give it the time and money such a nice
model deserves. Well sold.
#60-1969 LOTUS 63 Formula One racer.
S/N 632. Eng. # DFV818. Red, gold, & white/
black vinyl. Fresh complete restoration by local
experts. Looks as though final assembly was
rushed to make the auction, as some details were
missed. One of two four-wheel-drive examples
built. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $146,448. Raced by
JPS livery. It was always a thrill when DawsonDamer
would get out his 79 for various events
around Australia. The car looks perfect for an
as-is museum piece that enjoys the odd spirited
run, as its early-'80s repaint looked about period
correct. Some serious money would have
to be spent to get it back to peak race condition,
but I would call this sale fair for all parties.
ITALIAN
#62-1928 ALFA ROMEO 6C monoposto.
S/N 0111522. Red/tan leather. RHD.
Converted from a saloon to this two-seat racer
configuration in 1945. Paint needs detailing,
with small marks and wear throughout. Odd
panel fit is probably about right for custom
racer coachwork. Fascinating mix of gauges
date from the 1940s through the 1970s. Air
it a good buy, but racing it may cost the new
owner a lot more than hard-earned money.
TOP 10
No. 7
#61-1979 LOTUS 79 racer. S/N 795.
Eng. # DVF195. Black & gold/black
vinyl. General track-type wear and tear
on a car that has been used but loved. Incorrect
livery for the chassis, mechanical bits look
like they need a complete overhaul before any
serious competition work. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$373,442. Even a Trabant would look good in
Either two people in the room really wanted to
go home with a Lotus Formula anything and
they duked it out to silly money, or someone
knew something about chassis #5 and wanted it
badly. I'm guessing the former. Well sold.
#59-1966 LOTUS 39 Tasman Series racer.
S/N 39R12. Eng. # FPF1267. Green & yellow/black
vinyl. Older restoration with various
marks and scrapes from respectful track work.
Rare Australian Tasman configuration. Every
nut looks spannered, tires clearly used. Cond: 2-.
Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt, and John Miles.
A late '60s technical tour de force with a winning
potential, or a disaster waiting to happen?
The most unfortunate of circumstances were
the very reason this car looked brand new.
Provenence, rarity, and aesthetics alone made
filter looks misplaced. Cond: 2. SOLD AT
$252,623. I'm sure this price would have most
Alfa people turning green. The family that had
owned this pretty little ever-evolving sports car
since new were the Davisons—a name akin to
motoring royalty down here. The story of Lex
Davison winning hard-fought races and wooing
his beautiful wife Diana came attached to
the “Little Alfa,” and any Aussie car guy would
pay a hefty premium for such an association.
Well bought and sold. ♦
March 2009
91

Page 90

RM Auctions Toronto, CAN
Toronto Fall Classic
American hobbyists and dealers who found what they wanted had to be more
than happy. The Canuck buck chose the weekend to nosedive to 78 cents
Company
RM Auctions
Date
October 24–26, 2008
Location
Toronto, Canada
Auctioneer
Brent Earlywine,
Mike Shackleton
Automotive lots sold / offered
179/391
Sales rate
46%
Sales total
$2,237,026
High sale
1967 Chevrolet Corvette
427/435 convertible,
sold at $78,531
1967 Corvette 427/435 made high sale at $78,531
Buyer's premium
10%, included in sold prices
Report and photos by Norm Mort
Market opinions in italics
Toronto's Fall Classic Car Auction than last
year's event.
But last year we didn't have high oil prices,
G
the free-falling stock market, the slowdown in the
housing and building markets (not a collapse as in
the U.S.) and a weakening Canadian dollar.
Last fall's event saw the top two cars sell for over
$200,000 and the third for nearly $160,000, but this
sale's top seller was below $80,000. That kind of drop in
prices—although there was a difference in the vehicles—
resulted in a total sales figure this year of just over $2.2
million, compared to last fall's $4.2 million. Interestingly,
there were 31 more vehicles, twelve more sales, and the
same 46% sales rate.
Our fellow American hobbyists and dealers returned,
and those who found what they wanted had to be more
than happy. The Canuck buck chose the weekend to nosedive
to $.78 USD. That left Canadians scratching their
collective heads, since the dollar was about par or better
with the U.S. greenback at RM's spring event. For those
without a calculator handy, here are the top three cars in
Canadian vs. U.S. dollars:
92
ood fall weather, big crowds,
and a fine collection of vintage
cars should have translated
into even better results at RM
1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 convertible, $78,531 ($101,000 CDN)
1957 Chevrolet Corvette with dual-quads, $64,020 ($82,500 CDN)
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6, $59,752 ($77,000 CDN)
Combine that with softer prices, and that's a very substantial difference
Toronto, CAN
in cost.
Of course this is only a good situation if there are nice cars to take
home. And there were some bargains, particularly among the pre-war
cars. A 1946 Lincoln Continental convertible with a still-nice older restoration
brought $26,462, a mint 1931 Chevrolet 5-Window coupe made $15,962,
and a restored 1935 Ford Phaeton sold for $30,730—all excellent purchases.
Chevy products tended to dominate the auction scene, as they did in top sales. Some
went for ridiculously low prices. A nice, clean #3 condition 1946 Chevy sedan with no
obvious problems hammered sold for $1,366—or what used to be the cost of a good
parts car. Corvettes tended to be everywhere, and
the good ones sold easily at fair prices.
Was this sale an anomaly? It could be if the
Canadian dollar improves (up to $.82 USD by New
Year) and if the economy holds steady. Canadian
new car sales—other than those from the Big
Three, which were down 6%–10%—were generally
strong, with Mercedes, BMW and Toyota sales
already surpassing the 2007 records by the end of
October.
A lot is happening out there, which means you
should definitely make sure your subscription to
SCM (and CM), doesn't expire. ♦
$1m
$2m
$3m
$4m
$5m
Sales Totals
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
Sports Car Market

Page 91

RM Auctions Toronto, CAN
ENGLISH
#SP16-1959 JAGUAR XK 150 coupe. S/N
S836499BW. Two-tone blue/gray leather. Odo:
23,384 miles. Paint shows lots of imperfections
and dirt, chrome redone at one point and still
decent throughout. Later XJ6 highback leather
seats, console, automatic transmission, and column
with original dash. Weird custom misfitted
and mismatched carpets. Poor hood fit perhaps
due to newer XJ6 engine transplant. Cond: 3.
door sedan, but was really a rarer and more
valuable 5-window coupe. Less common than a
Model A and beautifully restored to show condition,
this was an excellent buy and perhaps
the best bargain at the auction.
#SP28-1934 PACKARD 110 Standard
SOLD AT $16,859. OK, so it was a week before
Halloween, and we all needed a scary looking
Jaguar. I know of two fellows who took even
rarer Allards and personalized them to the point
they'll never sell to an enthusiast. This price
was far below what the original builder of this
Jaggernot had in it, but at this price, it can be restored
to original or just used as a daily driver...
as long as you don't park up front.
#422-1962 MG A roadster. S/N
1600HDR4366495. Red/black vinyl/black
leather. Odo: 510 miles. Fresh red paint and
black vinyl top, new black leather interior
and black carpets. Steering wheel restored,
but crack repairs evident. New chrome aside
from worn original gas cap. Nicely detailed
engine and fully painted underside. Concours-
noted. Rip on side of console, tape/glue on
dash top, and telephone aerial on rear cowl.
Recent polished windshield didn't remove
all wiper marks. Clean underhood with matte
black underside. Decent driver with room for
improvements along the way. Cond: 3. NOT
SOLD AT $43,000. Here was a Jag that had
been used regularly in the past. The telephone
and Alpine stereo definitely looked out of place,
as did the added third brake light mounted on
the trunk. The V12 Jags are not as sought after
as the more reliable and less-expensive-tomaintain
sixes, and their lines are not as appealing
to many, which is reflected in a lower
market value. The high bid was good money for
this example.
GERMAN
#407-1963 MERCEDES-BENZ 220SE
cabriolet. S/N WDBAB53A2EA072351.
Cream/black cloth/brown vinyl. Odo: 169,924
km. Previously refurbished, with still very
good paint and chrome. Mostly original and
very presentable brown seats, carpets, and
wood trim. Recent refreshed detailing under
Eight sedan. S/N 376863. Two-tone blue/
black vinyl/gray cloth. Odo: 11,147 miles.
Paint beginning to bubble, red pinstripes add
some contrast to colors. Sober gray interior and
carpets decent but smelly. Apparently less than
1,000 miles since engine and transmission rebuild,
but in what year? Yellowed wide whitewalls
nicely set off blue metallic painted wire
wheels. Dirty windows attest to long storage.
Did I see Packard enthusiasts crying? Cond:
3. NOT SOLD AT $29,500. Formerly part
of the Gast classic car museum in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, this big old 110 was restored
in the mid-1970s. Toronto must have some
color-blind Packard enthusiasts, as there always
seems to be one painted in the gaudiest
combination. Metallic blue on blue did nothing
to ingratiate this big sedan with bidders, and
although the top bid was perhaps low considering
this car's overall condition, it wasn't based
on color and presentation.
#SP136-1935 FORD DELUXE phaeton.
S/N 1756824. Cordoba Gray/tan cloth/brown
vinyl. Odo: 38,452 miles. Nice older restoration
finished in Cordoba Gray with apple green
wheels and pinstripe. Tan cloth top and tobacco
like condition with wide whitewall tires and
chrome wire wheels. A real eye-catcher. Cond:
2. SOLD AT $20,468. This had clearly been
treated to a professional restoration with excellent
attention to detail. MG As are tough
when it comes to panel fit, especially around
the doors, but this example was very straight.
With MG A prices still strong, this was another
bargain bought at below market value and at
probably half the cost of its restoration.
#SP122-1974 JAGUAR XKE SIII con-
vertible. S/N UE1S23520. Red/tan cloth/tan
leather. Odo: 36,503 miles. Older restoration
with rich red paint and newer chrome that's beginning
to show its age. Steel wheels with wire
wheel discs on whitewall tires not appreciated
by many. Fresh tan leather interior lacks sufficient
padding, particularly droopy headrests
March 2009
the hood, but more work is needed. Underside
solid and painted matte black. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $19,633. This was described as having
reupholstered brown front leather seats to factory
specs, but they looked like vinyl to me. The
wood was supposedly original, but had a newish-looking
satin finish. Regardless, this was
an excellent driver and well worth the price. A
very good buy.
AMERICAN
#154-1931 CHEVROLET INDEPENDENCE
5-Window coupe. S/N 560591E12.
Maroon & black/black vinyl/gray cloth.
Odo: 43,596 miles. Fitted with side mounts,
coil lights, radiator mascot, rear luggage rack,
and rumble seat. Flawless two-tone paint with
fresh gray, period-correct interior shows well.
Recent chrome, basic detailing on underside,
fully detailed engine. A real charmer and
restored to a high level. Cond: 2+. SOLD AT
$15,962. This Chevy was described as a two-
interior remain in very good condition, chrome
still shiny. Clock in rearview mirror, Ford
script gas cap, rear-mounted hardcover spare,
luggage rack. Also fitted with fog lamps, dual
horns, grille bar, spotlight, factory radio, and
greyhound mascot. Detailed engine, painted
underside needs refreshing. Boot and side curtains
included. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $30,730.
Last seen at RM's Meadow Brook sale in August
'08, where it failed to sell at $37,500 (SCM#
117417). A former first place award winner
at the AACA National and Regional meets as
well as at the Early Ford V8 Club of America
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Nationals, this car was still in show condition
and was a great buy at this price.
#SP137-1946 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
convertible. S/N H144079. Lincoln Maroon/
tan cloth/red & tan leather. Odo: 619 miles.
Appropriately outfitted with radio, heater, clock,
dual fog lights, rearview mirrors, wide whitewall
tires, and customary Continental spare. Proper
Lincoln Maroon paint not show-perfect, but
with very few flaws. Tan power cloth top looks
great. Older chrome is still decent, red and tan
leather interior shows little or no wear. One
of just 201 built in 1946. Cond: 3. SOLD AT
$26,462. Another bargain. The owner stated
$20k Canadian was recently spent on the V12,
transmission, and mechanicals. Although this
was an older restoration with some wear, there
was not as much as one might think, considering
the recent work performed and the car's
overall condition. A genuine classic ready for
show at club events for under $30k? Where was
my bank manager when I needed him?
#SP124-1955 CADILLAC COUPE
DEVILLE 4-dr hard top. S/N 556209217.
Pink & white/taupe vinyl & velour. Odo: 87,870
miles. 331-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Well optioned
with a/c, power brakes, wide whitewalls, dual
spots, and Wonderbar radio. Older paint shows
some prep issues, all chrome redone in the past
to a high standard. Non-original taupe vinyl
heater, Town & Country radio, power steering,
and power brakes. Cond: 1. SOLD AT $46,094.
Last seen at RM/Kruse Toronto in April '92,
where it sold at $41,670 (SCM# 877). As little
'Birds go, the only slightly changed '56 is always
a better choice than the '55. Sure, it has
a Continental kit and portholes in the hard top,
but fender vents on the '56 make driving a far
cooler and pleasurable experience. Offering
this car at no reserve paid off for both buyer
and seller. There's little or nothing to do except
enjoy it, and I doubt the new owner will lose on
this purchase when it's time to sell.
#SP135-1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD
convertible. S/N D7FH214200. Blue &
white/white vinyl/white vinyl. Odo: 44,186
miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. A rust-free, older
nut-and-bolt restoration that still has plenty of
shine in it. Blue paint a bit thin in areas, chrome
bright and only suffers from polishing marks.
White vinyl interior and carpets look virtually
restoration. Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $64,020.
Little to criticize here. This was a nice solidaxle
'Vette at a great price, and the owner can
just show and enjoy. Well bought just below
average market value.
#SP115-1958 PONTIAC PARISIENNE
2-dr hard top. S/N 8784743813. Redwood
Copper & white/white & brown vinyl. Odo:
18,292 miles. 370-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Redwood
Copper metallic body with Dover White top
striking and suffers only minimal imperfections.
Rare side stainless moldings aren't perfect, but
it's virtually impossible to find better pieces.
Chrome a mixture of fresh and nice original.
and white velour interior shows minor wear
and stains. Clean under-hood, but not detailed.
Frame black with white overspray. The perfect
cruiser if you're into pink. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $13,231. This was a very solid, rust-free,
straight Caddy offered at no reserve, and it
sold for a price equivalent to what it would currently
cost to redo just the chrome. The buyer
can enjoy and make numerous improvements
without worry. Well bought.
#SP128-1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD
convertible. S/N P6FH237689. Colonial
White/black cloth/white & black vinyl. Odo:
237 miles. 312-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Concourslike
white finish with sharp contrasting black
Stayfast top. Tinted glass, twin chrome mirrors,
and rear-mounted spare all showing well. Wide
whitewalls mounted on steel wheels with wire
discs, otherwise well optioned with clock, tach,
94
new. Fully detailed V8 with original-style battery,
underside painted and detailed. A ready-forshow
T-Bird with only minimal improvements
necessary. Cond: 2-. SOLD AT $34,144. The
little 'Birds seemed to have stalled and slipped
in the market over the past few years. It's all
about the options with cars like this, and this
one had lots, including two tops, Kelsey-Hayes
wire wheels, Town & Country radio, reverse
lights, fender skirts, engine dress-up kit, power
steering, and power brakes. An excellent buy.
#SP145-1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N E57S105359. Cascade
Green & white/white vinyl/beige vinyl. Odo:
3,503 miles. 283-ci 245-hp V8, 2x4-bbl, 3-sp.
Recently completed three-year body-off restoration
by a member of the NCRS. Well done
paint, new Shoreline Beige Al Knoch interior
and top. Seats badly wrinkled and need more
padding to fix. All new chrome, detailed engine
and chassis. Wide whitewall tires and matching
painted steel wheels with full discs. A beautiful
example being driven just 3,500 miles since
Inside clean with newer brown carpets. Basic
detailing under the hood and on chassis. Original
build sheet and matching numbers a bonus. A
stylish ride. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $15,792. Apart
from the metallic paint and aftermarket wire
wheels, this was a pretty original example of a
hard-to-find Canuck high-end Pontiac. If it had
been a Chevy, the price would have been twice
as much at least. Still, if you're into Pontiacs,
this was a great example for not much money.
#127-1960 FORD F100 pickup. S/N
16706A6991018ZL. Turquoise & cream/turquoise
& cream vinyl. Odo: 18,045 miles. 223ci
straight 6, 2-bbl, 3-sp. Professional body-off
restoration with fresh paint and matching vinyl
interior. Detailed underside, nicely appointed
engine and compartment. Incorrect hubcaps
and black scratch guard box, but otherwise
totally correct and virtually flawless. Cond:
2+. SOLD AT $8,963. Another great bargain
bought by an American collector from the
Rochester, New York, area on Friday night. He
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RM Auctions Toronto, CAN
already has one he loves, but this example was
too good to ignore. (He also picked up a clean
Henry J to accompany his Kaiser.) Price was
well below market value for condition.
#416-1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 30867S118543. Red/white
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 83,052 miles. 350-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Passenger door fit tight at Apillar/vent
window, driver's door rubbing on Bpillar.
Recent red respray with evidence of dirt
and prep problems, star crack on hood. Mostly
fresh chrome, pitted vent windows. New black
vinyl interior and carpets, door panel fit not
#SP127-1966 FORD MUSTANG convert-
ible. S/N 6R08C118376. Red/white vinyl/white
vinyl. Odo: 25,822 miles. 289-ci V8, 4-bbl,
auto. Fully restored to a high level inside and
out with pony seats, bright red paint, and showquality
chrome. Added GT equipment includes
fog lamps, polished stainless, and mag wheels.
great. Like-new console and dash. Basic detailing
on non-original 350 V8, flat black chassis.
Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $31,583. This 'Vette had
its fair share of problems, and with the 350
transplant, the price was right. A-pillars are
a common problem on 'Vettes, and it usually
means the dash should be removed. This could
prove a very good buy after improvements are
made. Then again, proper door fit might end up
being a very expensive proposition on a nonmatching-numbers
example.
#SP100-1965 FORD THUNDERBIRD
convertible. S/N 5Y85Z127116. Red/black
vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 3,519 miles. 390-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Fitted with power steering,
power brakes, power windows, tilt, AM/FM,
and a/c. Rarer options include 4-way flashers
and reclining passenger seat. Uneven red paint
with bubbling fenders and visible cracking
at rear. Older chrome still nice. Hood out of
adjustment. Previously replaced black slightly
A rust-free Texas car. Virtually flawless. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $30,089. There are plenty of
bread-and-butter Mustang convertibles out
there in collector land, but many are nasty, so
good ones are still going for good prices. This
was bought on the high side, but it was probably
the nicest I've seen in a long time. Considering
the difference in asking prices for mediocre
examples and this concours example, it was
well bought. Both buyer and seller should be
pleased.
#SP143-1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
coupe. S/N 194376S105720. Red/red leather.
427-ci 450-hp V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Fitted with side
exhaust, correct wheels, period whitewalls, teak
steering wheel, AM/FM radio, power antenna,
heater, clock, and clean red leather upholstery
with matching carpet. Decent paint with only
minor imperfections. Rechromed bumpers,
seats, and panels look good. Engine detailed
but not to a concours level. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $78,531. This 435-hp 'Vette, claimed to
be numbers-matching, was offered with all its
original manuals as well as photo documentation
of the restoration, so there were no mysteries
here. Price was a bit low in this current
market, but not by much for a scruffy car.
#SP93-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N L000000001. Black/black
cloth/black vinyl. Odo: 64,676 miles. 327-ci
300-hp V8, 4-bbl, auto. Decent paint with
minor imperfections and some sanding marks.
Fitted with side exhaust, Redline tires, and a
new black cloth top. Fresh chrome with minor
scratches on bumpers and pitted vent windows.
Newer black vinyl interior, mild wear on black
carpets. Clean dash and gauges, underside and
engine clean and have had some detailing. A
clean example. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $47,800.
Last seen at RM's Toronto sale in April '08,
where it failed to sell at $51,000 (SCM#
116272). A sharp looking 'Vette to enjoy with
minor, easy-to-fix problems. The seller did
well, but this was a fair deal for both, as it has
good investment potential in the future.
#SP04-1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO
worn carpets need refitting, vinyl seats show
minor wear, a/c does not work. New chrome
wire wheels and optional dealer tonneau fitted.
Detailed underhood, but more work needed.
A 20-footer. Cond: 3. SOLD AT $13,017. A
great summer evening cruise car with lots of
style for little money. This price left room for a
few relatively inexpensive improvements while
enjoying the ride. This no-reserve price was
more than fair for both buyer and seller. No
harm done.
96
other chrome OK aside from scratched trim and
pitted door handles. Red leather seats like new
but slightly underpadded. Clean under hood with
a start on detailing, sprayed black underside. A
great driver with room for improvement. Cond:
2-. SOLD AT $52,923. Reportedly a matchingnumbers
427 and 4-speed as noted in the RM
catalog, but none of the usual documentation
was mentioned. Assuming everything is kosher,
this was a very good buy.
#SP121-1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible. S/N 194677S109299. Silver &
black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 64,880
miles. 427-ci 435-hp V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Older
silver paint with minor flaws, including sanding
marks and chips on nose and hood area. Pitting
on vent windows and door handles, bumpers
nicer. Optioned with side exhaust, power
brakes, AM/FM radio, and dash-mounted
clock. Some wear on console, but carpets,
SS coupe. S/N 123378N426071. Red/black
vinyl. Odo: 31,432 miles. 396-ci V8, 4-bbl,
4-sp. Older restoration, bright red paint and
all black interior look great. Added Pro-Comp
gauges tacked on dash, detailed underhood
with extra chrome. Stated to have a 425-hp
396 and 12-bolt rear end. Excellent chrome,
side window stainless scratched. Aftermarket
American Racing wheels a bit odd. Could easily
look even nicer. Cond: 2-. NOT SOLD AT
$26,000. This was conspicuous, as there was
no statement regarding authenticity. This was a
nice fun car that looked well screwed together,
but it didn't light up the crowd, so the owner
was wise to pass.
#SP120-1968 SHELBY GT500 fastback.
S/N 8T02S16927101014. Gold/black vinyl.
Odo: 57,939 miles. 428-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto.
Nicely restored Shelby Mustang in virtually
flawless gold paint. Excellent chrome and
interior. Underside lacks detailing, engine
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RM Auctions Toronto, CAN
to “exact” NASCAR 429 specs, but chassis
strangely finished in basic black. Original Boss
brakes. Cond: 1. NOT SOLD AT $86,000. This
beautiful Mustang had everything going for it
except its lack of pedigree. A clone is a clone,
and that pretty well sums it up. Market-correct
high bid.
#SP36-1971 DODGE CHALLENGER
and compartment decent. Ten-spoke Shelby
aluminum wheels look new. Sunlit Gold color
is different, but not greatly sought after. A
clean, fully documented example. Cond: 2.
NOT SOLD AT $70,000. This GT500 came
with all the proper paperwork from the Shelby
America World Registry. Equipment included
power steering, power brakes, and a/c. It also
featured the original Shelby roll bar and inertia-reel
racing harnesses, as well as a sunvisor
signed by the master himself. As an originalmile
example, the top bid wasn't even close.
#SP116-1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO
SS coupe. S/N 123379N711910. Cortez Silver
& black/black vinyl. Odo: 9,217 miles. 350-ci
V8, 4-bbl, auto. Looks to have been restored by
an enthusiast. Enough said. Silver paint thick
in gutters, with some overspray and minor
imperfections. Fresh black vinyl seats and panels,
driver's seat lacks padding. Aftermarket
inspection reports, fender tag coding, owner's
manual, and a folder full of receipts. This price
was close, but the owner was still looking for
more.
#SP95-1969 PLYMOUTH GTX Hemi 2-dr
hard top. S/N RS23L9A301835. Green/green
vinyl. Odo: 3,833 miles. 530-ci supercharged
V8, 2x4-bbl, auto. Straight body with metallic
green paint showing lots of dirt and imperfections.
Stripped-out interior nicely repaneled, roll
cage fitted, fresh green carpet and vinyl seats.
Custom aluminum dash with more instruments
than most jets. Added performance goodies
Interior isn't fresh either, but shows no real
wear. Lots of eyeball. Cond: 3. NOT SOLD
AT $49,000. Years ago you read in SCM about
how replicas would fare in the market in the
long run, and the hard, cold truth has become
quite clear. This seller was looking for more,
but this was a reasonable bid considering this
car's replica status and the current market in
general.
modern stereo with missing speaker covers on
doors, extra plastic switches and B&M 3-speed
shifter on tunnel. Original scratched windshield
and dinged trim, tinted adhesive on windows
already peeling off. Rechromed/reproduction
bumpers, door handles, etc. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $18,352. Despite its flaws and my criticism,
this wasn't a bad Camaro. It was a sharp-looking
coupe that could easily be enhanced to add
to its value. Well bought and sold. Both parties
should be happy.
#SP140-1969 DODGE SUPER BEE 2-dr
hard top. S/N WM23M9A301690. Orange &
black/black vinyl. Odo: 22,473 miles. 440-ci
V8, 3x2-bbl, 4-sp. Typical '60s orange with
few flaws other than some polishing marks in
finish. Fresh black carpets, seats, and panels,
chrome and window trim scratched in places.
Nicely detailed engine, orange and matte black
undercarriage shows well. Redline tires, steel
wheels. A very straight matching-numbers Bee.
Cond: 1-. NOT SOLD AT $85,000. While it
was nicely presented, the money just wasn't
there for this Super Bee. All the paperwork
was, though, with two Galen Govier visual
include MSD ignition, 2800 stall converter and
overdrive tranny, BDS 1271 blower, dual Holley
780 carbs, 200-amp alternator, 4-wheel disc
brakes, and side exhaust. Frame strengthened.
Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT $65,000. Somebody
else's reportedly $350,000 build dream. First
you had to like green, and then you had to like
custom Pro-Street-style Mopars. Not too many
here apparently wanted to live that dream. Top
bid probably would have covered taxes and
shipping charges. An expensive lesson for the
builder.
#SP01-1970 FORD MUSTANG Boss 429
Replica fastback. S/N 0T02F164095. Black/
black vinyl. 429-ci V8, 4-bbl, 4-sp. Complete
nut-and-bolt restoration. Flawless black paint,
all-new black carpets and vinyl seats. Dash and
console spotless. Fully detailed engine built
clean throughout. Cond: 2. NOT SOLD AT
$31,000. A claimed matching-numbers former
California Trans Am with the correct flying
chicken on the hood, and one of just 272 Trans
Ams built that year with a 4-speed in Buccaneer
Red. These Firebirds—seemingly all referred
to as Smokey & The Bandit cars regardless of
color—are growing in demand. A few years
ago you could buy them for under $10k, and
#SP33-1973 PONTIAC TRANS AM
coupe. S/N 2V87Y3N130614. Buccaneer
Red/black vinyl. Odo: 12,773 miles. Fresh
Buccaneer Red paint suffering only from a few
minor prep issues. New chrome door handles,
badges look original. All new inside including
black carpets and vinyl interior, spotless honeycomb
alloy wheels fitted with fresh rubber.
Appears all-original under the hood, but is very
R/T Replica convertible. S/N JH27L1B159350.
Red & black/black vinyl/black vinyl. Odo:
20,007 miles. 383-ci V8, 3x2-bbl, auto.
Designated an “R/T Tribute,” this is an older
restoration replica with all the bells and whistles
and none of the heritage. Paint is well done
and still looks very good, but use and age of
detailing were evident under the Shaker hood.
98
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RM Auctions Toronto, CAN
now under $30k is considered a bargain. That
said, this bid seemed like more than enough.
#465-1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
convertible conversion. S/N 1Z878AS430628.
White/white vinyl/black vinyl. Odo: 51,240 km.
350-ci V8, 4-bbl, auto. Partially resprayed nonmatching
white with numerous chips, door handles
and badges poorly repainted. Dirty white
vinyl top, worn plastic console, new seat bolsters
with original inserts, panels and carpet show
age. Door panel catches on door when opened.
Rubber petrified, side windows scratched and
not able to roll all the way up. Underside looks
to have been recently resprayed black. Cond:
4. SOLD AT $5,548. A handyman's drop top
conversion. The new owner could make some
money on this one if he's interested in a quick
turn-around, or it could just be cheap entry into
the Corvette owners club.
#176-1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
ZR-1 coupe. S/N 1G1YZ23J5M580004. Blue/
brown leather. Odo: 12,362 km. 350-ci fuel-injected
V8, 6-sp. Original paint shows minimal
wear, the same goes for under the hood. Twotone
brown leather interior nice, other than
some cracking on driver's seat. Rubber cracked
“The must-read magazine for
Corvette collectors”
around windows, noted recent new radiator and
brakes on clean, original chassis. A very decent
example that appears to have been reasonably
well cared for since new. Cond: 3. SOLD
AT $13,231. Overall good condition, ZR-1
designation, and being one of 50 in this color
combination helped sell this driver-quality C4
'Vette. I'm sure the seller was looking for more,
but this was no in-the-wrapper ZR-1. Market
correct. ♦
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March 2009
99

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eBay Motors Online Sales
Tire Fryers
I'll bet this particular asset beat the “Beep Beep” out of the S&P 500 and
could still lay down one hell of a smoking burnout in front of the NYSE
Report by Geoff Archer
Market opinions in italics
This month's collection should
have just the thing for those
looking to mash the loud pedal
while they can still afford to.
N
Condition inferred from seller's
descriptions; cars were not physically
examined by the author. All quoted material
taken from the eBay listings. (sf=seller's feedback;
bf=buyer's feedback)
#230181201425-1959 ASTON MARTIN
DB Mk III 2+2 coupe. S/N AM30031523.
Black/red leather. Odo: 68,751 miles. 103 Photos.
Houston, TX. “Only 551 produced.” New
chrome 16-inch knockoffs really pop against
glossy paint, three tiny dings could be worked
out by a paintless dent wizard. Restored interior
looks great. “I AM 6'4” 300LBS & AM MORE
COMFORTABLE IN THIS ASTON THAN I
AM IN A DODGE VIPER.” (Aren't we all?)
Hi-Po 350 Chevy and Tremec 5-speed, suspension
modified accordingly. “STARTS,RUNS
ow that a fill-up no longer
requires a second
mortgage, why not
celebrate in style?
one of the tensioner wheels is a bit noisy and I
think it needs a new fan clutch.” 15 bids, sf 103,
bf 2. Cond: 3-. SOLD AT $13,000. Sold on eBay
in December '05 for $15,699 (SCM# 39997),
sold again on eBay in October '07 for $17,700
(SCM# 47397). What other reliable car can you
buy with similar styling? Ferrari 400i? Maserati
BiTurbo? Bitter SC? You probably see where I
am going with this... And, with the 351 Cleveland,
this'll actually get there without bursting into
flames. I wouldn't be too proud of this purchase
given its abundant cosmetic issues, but I wouldn't
be embarrassed about the price paid. You won't
find another (drivable) one for less.
#130225132153-1990 MAZDA MX-
AND DRIVES BEAUTIFULLY, WITHOUT
ISSUES. THE FUN INCREASES IN DIRECT
PROPORTION TO THE PACE.” 1 “Best Offer”
bid, sf 839, bf 17. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $90,000.
Seller asserts that “CLASSIC CARS YIELD AN
8 POINT ROI. HOWEVER, ASTON MARTINS
OF THIS CALIBER EXCEED THAT NUMBER
ANNUALLY.” While very appealing to own and
drive, we SCMers know that a car modified in such
a way will not appreciate like a pristine original.
Still, trucking it to Arizona in January could have
made money for the new owner. A market price,
considering modifications and venue.
#180267734308-1975 BMW 570 4-dr sedan.
S/N 5021046. Metallic blue/tan leather. Odo:
54,130 miles. 9 Photos. Lake Forest, CA. 2,170
miles since custom installation of alcohol-fueled
“7.0 ltr 427-ci all aluminum Donovan stroker
small block” Chevy previously used in a sprint
car. Tidy integration includes TKO 5-speed,
Jag rear, 993 calipers, 928 master cylinder,
2.5-inch stainless exhaust, etc. Color-changed
Euro-style exterior looks great with deep 17inch
Alpina rims. Interior tired. Minor needs
100
remain, including a (literally) manual choke that
requires your hand and/or a rag. 1 bid, sf 483, bf
private. Cond: 3+. SOLD AT $22,000. Is there
a carpool lane in SCCA Pro Drift competitions?
I can see it now... passengers blog and Twitter
for “Roundel” while you smoke out the local
Starbucks drive-thru (better hope they chip in
for tires). Although the seller was correct in saying
this couldn't be built for the money, this does
seem like a decent deal for the not-quite-finished
ultimate drifting machine.
#280182129055-1975 DETOMASO
LONGCHAMP coupe. S/N THLCPS02395.
Yellow/brown leather & cloth. Odo: 93,952
miles. 13 Photos. The Hague, Netherlands. One
of 409 made. “A rare Italian Stallion with brute
American Power under the hood.” This example
is looking, well, almost as old as I am. “Some
blistering on the trunk lid here and there are little
chips and on the middle of the hood they once
used a carburetor stud too long, so you can guess
what happened. It is also missing the front and
rear bumper...” Interior is worn and tired. “Also
5 MIATA Monster convertible. S/N
JM1NA3510L0106491. Red/black vinyl/black
leather. Odo: 76,000 miles. 22 Photos and 1
Video. Bethesda, MD. “This car is documented
as one of the first ‘ten or so' of the original and
famous MONSTER Miata V8 convertibles of
the 1990s. Only 300 of these then wildly popular
and extremely high performance cars exist...
they are scary fast due to the high-performance
Ford V8 engine and light weight transmission
identical to those found in a Mustang GT... now
capable of 0-60 m.p.h. in only 4.7 seconds!!!”
Nice overall condition. 17 bids, sf 345, bf 13.
Cond: 2. SOLD AT $18,500. Seller provides data
and commentary on several comparable sales of
“official” Monster V8 Miatas, Supercharged
MegaMonsters and DIY impostors. Suggested
possible trades—potentially useful but obviously
biased—probably did a better job of pushing this
price. Hmm. A Saab 9-3 convertible or this? An
MR2? An H-D Sportster? I think I'll up my bid
a few grand so that's not what I'm stuck with.
Strong price, but not unreasonable.
#150311069181-1969 PONTIAC GTO
The Judge Ram Air IV 2-dr hard top. S/N
242379A125009. Carousel Red/black vinyl.
Odo: 76,860 miles. 24 Photos. Summerfield,
NC. “Sold new at Neill Pontiac in High Point,
NC and has remained within 15 miles of the selling
location since new. It has 76,860 miles that
are documented via NC State inspection receipts
and NC titles. It has traveled 1,800 miles since
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Fresh Meat
Online sales of contemporary cars.
1987.” Copious documentation, PHS, MSO,
Protect-O-Plate, etc. One repaint 20 years ago.
Hood tach inoperative. 29 bids, sf 209, bf 6293.
Cond: 1-. SOLD AT $115,100. A buyer with
a 6,000+ rating clearly knows what he or she
wants; Ram Air IV, heaps of paperwork and a
near-perfect condition. Current market price for
blue-chip muscle.
#170279852628-1969 FORD MUSTANG
Boss 429 fastback. S/N 9F02Z171576.
Wimbledon White/black vinyl. Odo: 44,491
miles. 24 Photos. Bradenton, FL. Engine, 4speed,
and 3.91 Traction-Lok rear match Marti
report. “In storage for over 25 years. The car is
not running but was running when it was parked.
This car is all original except for the distributor
which was changed to an Accel by a previous
AT $41,100. The perfect Cannonball throwback
to sacrifice on a Bullrun Rally (www.bullrun
.com) for about the cost of the related depreciation
on a new Lambo, or a crappy kit car that
would never get invited in the first place. Just try
to remember that nothing will happen when you
pull the chute.
#160231929213-1971
PLYMOUTH
ROAD RUNNER Hemi 2-dr hard top. S/N
RM23R1R225XXX. Winchester Gray Metallic/
black vinyl. Odo: 33,481 miles. 24 Photos. Alsip,
IL. “Only One Known” painted in this color.
“Original 426 HEMI, Dual Quads” ps, pb, “6
Way Drivers Bucket Seats, Perfect Ralley Dash,
Automatic, Super Track Pack A34 Package,
Dana 4.10:1 Posi Rear End, Tuff Wheel, AM
Radio, Rear Speaker, Rear Window Defogger,
Console, G60X15 Bias Ply Firestone RWL Tires
Repro, Original Stock Bias Ply Tires Come With
Date sold: 11/19/2008
eBay auction ID: 140282707768
Seller: Lamborghini Gold Coast, Chicago, IL,
www.luxurymotors.com/lamborghini
Sale Type: Used car, 4,135 miles
VIN: ZHWGU22T37LA04875
Details: Red over cream w/red piping, eGear
paddle shifters, carbon fiber console
Sale result: $190,995, 5 bids, sf 1, bf 1
MSRP: $206,000 (base)
Other current offering: Newport European, Newport
Beach, CA, www.newporteuropean.com,
asking $219,000 for better optioned car with
2,850 miles.
owner. The body is in good restorable condition.
The paint is believed to be original and is flaking
off in some areas exposing the red primer.”
Uh, we call that surface rust where I come from.
44 bids, sf 164, bf private. Cond: 4-. SOLD AT
$124,900. Seller thinks that “You may not get
another opportunity to bid on a survivor of a
true legendary muscle car.” Some might argue
that you don't want to. SCM's Colin Comer joked
with me that this was a nice start on a $200k
restoration. In that case, I say well sold.
#190220491319-1970 LAMBORGHINI
COUNTACH 5000 Custom coupe. S/N
1091240. Black/tan leather. 30 Photos. Fullerton,
CA. “Registered as a Lambo not a kit car.” Tube
frame chassis with “true Lambo body” created
“to run the Silver state classic in Nevada. The
car is capable of running over 200 mph... If you
look at the back of the car you can see where
there was a parachute at one time... There are
Car. Working N96 Air Grabber Hood, Only One
Exterior Repaint. Underside Is ALL Original.
Drives And Runs Excellent.” Galen Govier. 12
bids, sf 16, bf 1. Cond: 2. SOLD AT $149,000.
This price was strong but appropriate given the
car's rarity and condition. That said, in the nine
months that have transpired since this sale we
had a massive financial crisis that already has
one in ten Americans living on food stamps.
Although I doubt it has appreciated much in
this time, I'll bet this particular asset beat the
“Beep Beep” out of the S&P 500 and could still
lay down one hell of a smoking burnout in front
of the NYSE.
#220203260881-1987
BUICK
GRAND NATIONAL 2-dr sedan. S/N
1G4GJ1170HP459511. Black/gray cloth. Odo:
15 miles. 28 Photos. Shawsville, VA. “15 MILE
GN!!! 1 OWNER CAR!! ORIGINAL TITLE,
WINDOW STICKER, BUILD SHEET, BANK
CONTRACT, BOOKS, LETTER FROM THE
SELLING DEALER AND MUCH MORE!!
CAR HAS BEEN KEPT IN A HEATED
GARAGE ON JACK STANDS SINCE NEW!!”
2007 Lamborghini Murcielago
LP640 Spyder
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Date sold: 12/17/2008
eBay auction ID: 290283323427
Seller: Straight Line Automotive Group, Dallas,
TX, www.straightlineautomotivegroup.com
Sale Type: Used car, 1,522 miles
VIN: ZHWBU47S77LA02438
Details: Triple black, eGear, navigation
Sale result: $289,888, 1 bid, sf 258, bf 0
MSRP: $311,100 (base)
Other current offering: Lamborghini Chicago,
Chicago, IL, www.foxvalleymotorcars.com,
asking $329,900 for yellow/black car with
2,805 miles.
2004 Lamborghini Gallardo
also pins that you put in so that the doors don't
open at high speeds... The motor is a V8 small
block Chevrolet stroker with port fuel injection,”
4-bolt main, dry sump, and Porsche 930
4-speed. 24 bids, sf 11, bf -1. Cond: 2. SOLD
March 2009
MSRP was $16,154. 29 bids, sf 140, bf 0. Cond:
1. SOLD AT $58,100. If you remember the buried
'57 Belvedere in Tulsa, then you know that
these time-capsule plans don't always turn out
so well. There are a few notable differences here,
however; jack stands and air flow beat subterranean
plastic wrap every time. Most importantly,
this was actually a cool car to begin with. This
price bests a GN sold at B-J Vegas in October by
50% (SCM# 118335), a gap justified less by the
fact that it has 440% fewer miles and more by
the fact that it has only 15. ♦
Date sold: 12/22/2008
eBay auction ID: 130275478020
Seller: eBay ID danigold82
Sale Type: Used car, 5,228 miles
VIN: ZHWGU11S64LA00835
Details: Yellow over black w/yellow stitching.
$20k in options, including eGear, Tubi
exhaust, carbon fiber accessories, and 19″
Murcielago wheels
Sale result: $100,100, 18 bids, sf 256, bf 20
MSRP: $165,900 (base)
Other current offering: Intersport Auto Sales,
McLean, VA, www.intersportautosales.com,
asking $119,000 for similar yellow car with
6,900 miles. ♦
101

Page 100

Bike Buys Böhmerland
Bohemian Rhapsody
Cut off from the world in 1924 and left unsupervised with a tubing bender
and foundry, you might have built the Böhmerland, and become a cult hero
by John L. Stein
W
hen the circus rolled into town, everyone
wanted to see the freaks—the bearded
lady, the six-legged calf, and the man with
the knife in his head.
P. T. Barnum could have added Czechoslovakia's
Böhmerland motorcycle to his cast, because even 70 years
after production ceased, it still stuns motorcycle and car
fans alike.
One look tells why. With its sunflower-yellow tubular
steel lowboy frame, motorcycling's first cast-aluminum
wheels (whose elegant kaleidoscopic design is eerily
reminiscent of early Porsche 928 hoops), red sheet
metal, and finned black cylinder casting, it inexplicably
flies the colors of the German flag while remaining utterly
unique in its Česká engineering—even after nearly
a century. In fact, the Böhmerland is still inventive
enough that it could easily qualify as a contemporary Discovery Channel or a chopperbuild
show project. If only they had half the Böhmerland inventor's imagination.
Most motorcycles of the 1920s were single cylinder, and the Norton CS1, an Isle of
Man Senior TT winner in its day, was arguably the world's most advanced. Even today
these ancient steeds look like proper motorcycles. But not the Böhmerland, which broke
numerous barriers for its design and appearance. Several hundred units (up to 1,000 by
one estimate) were created by mechanic-turned-manufacturer Albin Hugo Liebisch in
Czechoslovakia between 1924 and 1939, when the hostilities of WWII ended production.
Breaking all the rules of design and appearance
Made in Krasna Lipa, Bohemia, the Böhmerland was intended as a simple, ro-
bust transportation device and, affectionately called the Čechie at home, it followed
Liebisch's path and no one else's. For instead of solo- or dual-passenger capacity—as
for most motorbikes then and now—measuring some 10.4 feet long with a wheelbase
nearly a half-foot longer than a Porsche 356's, the Böhmerland Langtouren (long touring)
seated three, while a special police variation could seat four. If the Monkees had
only known…
As the longest production motorcycle in the world, the rangy Böhmerland also fea-
tured two separate gearboxes, one operated by the pilot and another—when steep hills
required it—by a passenger. As was common during the
period, the Böhmerland has a rigid rear suspension but
uses an unusual leading-axle tubular fork with twin coil
springs and friction dampers.
The term Böhmerland translates simply to
Perfect Böhmerland owner:
Can rescue two stranded
motorists at once
Rating (HHHHH is best):
Fun to ride: HHH
Ease of maintenance: HHHH
Appreciation potential: HHH
Attention getter: HHHHH
Number produced: 1,000 approx.
Original list price: n/a
SCM Valuation: $30,000–$50,000
Tune-up: Definitely DIY
Engine: 603-cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled single
Transmission: 3-speed
Colors: Red and yellow, green and yellow,
black and yellow
Clubs: You could start one
More: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=oF21S2TaePw
SCM Investment Grade: B
102
Böhmer Country, a patriotic reference to the unified
Czechoslovakia of old. At the height of production,
manufacturing was done in a 20-person plant, drawing
from the components of regional suppliers. Liebisch
designed even the powerplant, about the only part of the
machine that is comparable to other bikes of the day.
It's a big 600-cc, slow-revving, long-stroke, over-
head-valve, air-cooled, four-stroke single, and as a
testimony to Liebisch's inventiveness, in addition to
gasoline, diesel and heating oil could reportedly also
be used to power the Böhmerland in winter. Twin fuel
tanks were rear mounted, leaving the pilot sitting low
behind the engine, its exposed intake rocker arms and
valves jitterbugging rather close, if anything broke
loose.
Liebisch never revived his motorcycle business
after the war and died in Passau, Germany, in 1965 at
1927 Böhmerland Langtouren
age 77. He evolved and varied his design over the years,
but most of his machines used similar cast wheels,
utilitarian duplex frames, and a long wheelbase, though
there was a shorter Jubilee model and even a Racer. Late
in the 1930s, a simpler 348-cc two-stroke engine was
adopted, but invariably the Long Touring model is the
high point for the Böhmerland's separatist approach.
Estimates vary on how many Böhmerlands still exist
worldwide (from about 30 to 75), but regardless, the
number is very low, and most are likely to remain in the
far reaches of Europe.
With the surviving Böhmerlands as scarce as Ferrari
GTOs (and much less well known), it is difficult to find
a body of sales comps reflecting their value. But most recently,
an operable and museum-kept 1927 Böhmerland
Langtouren sold for $47,471 at a Bonhams auction at the
Royal Air Force Museum in London on June 30, 2008.
Lacking a few key ingredients
For a machine so noteworthy, unusual and rare, one
might think the Böhmerland would attract a price well
into six figures, rather than that of a garden-variety
vintage 'Vette. But it's missing several key ingredients—namely
beauty, reputation, and performance.
Unlike the 1939 Vincent-HRD Series A Rapide that
sold for $378,757 at Bonhams last year, the Böhmerland
shares no bloodline with any beautiful, high-performance,
or otherwise storied motorcycle. And while
Vincent twins were good for the ton in their day, with a
reported 16–24 hp, the humble Böhmerland one-lunger
trudged along at a 59 mph top speed, its long straightpipe
blatting a plebeian song.
Finally, while its underachieving utility design makes
the Böhmerland plenty heroic in terms of its service to
mankind, the emotion indelibly associated with fast,
sexy motorcycles simply does not exist.
But value and importance are measured in many
different ways, and the Böhmerland's fanciful design,
engineering, and civic-mindedness guarantee that it
will always hold a special place for enthusiasts. It just
won't be a rocket ship of an investment. ♦
Sports Car Market

Page 102

Mystery Photo Answers
Comments With
Your Renewal
SCM has more useful info than
If you think this is something, you should see my
pterodactylcopter.—David English, Sneads, FL
RUNNER-UP: … and if your
erection lasts more than four
hours…—Sam Posey, Sharon,
CT
At last! The inspiration
for the Plymouth Superbird
revealed.—Bruce Booth, Santa
Barbara, CA
Dragster eaten by large bug.
Film at eleven.—Stephen R.
Miller, Muncie, IN
I don't know what I was
thinking honey, though I'm
sure it's more reliable than the
Discovery.—Daryl Pinter,
Algonquin, IL
If the back end looks like
this, does the front look like butt
cheeks?—Dale Pope, Plymouth,
IN
Initially, I was happy to I
hear that GEICO was sponsoring
our dragster…—Brad Barber,
Houston, TX
This year's spec sheet should
read “dragster” not “dragonster.”
We apologize for the typographical
error.—Mike DiLeo,
Brookhaven, NY
Mattel's first Green Machine
model did NOT pass child-safety
inspectors.—Rod Diridon, Jr.,
Santa Clara, CA
What happens in Vegas really
should stay in Vegas.—Bob
Peterson, Brooks, GA
Wendie to Keith: You are so
grounded.—Justin Primeaux,
New Preston, CT
Viagra sponsorship does
have its ups and downs.—Roger
Vance, Crescent City, CA
Well, it was $25k less than
“Thunderous Cyclops,” and it actually
fits in the garage.—Lorrie
Peterson, Brooks, GA
Kermit pulls the “Sesame
Street Special” up to the line,
confident that Bert and Ernie
have done their usual standout
job preparing the car.—Steven
Slebioda, Escondido, CA
The young lady couldn't
articulate to her therapist why
she found the vehicle at once
fascinating and yet deeply
disturbing.—John Reeder,
Greensboro, VT
Publisher Martin drops eight
large gettin' Vegas tail.—Bob
West, Martinez, CA
Yep, green and ugly, just like
a Prius.—Ed Maurer, Vandalia,
OH
It wasn't until Keith returned
home with his new purchase
that he realized his reputation
as an Alfa guru would be called
into question.—Robert Kossel,
Mississauga, Ontario, CAN
It's clear from up here Bob
that this one's a male.—Alan
Sosnowitz, Stamford, CT
Remember, Grasshopper, fast
is as fast does.—Dan Faustman,
Elk Grove, CA
Also available barb-
less.—Bob Bayuk, Annandale,
New Jersey
Because he can fully ap-
preciate a garage full of reptilian
machines, David English wins
a soon-to-be-collectible official
SCM cap.
any other auto publication. —Jim
Engel, Random Lake, WI
Looking forward to another
great year.—Dave Kroesen,
Calabasas, CA
Thanks for putting together
such a great product.—Matt
Peckham, Chatham, NJ
Great mix of features; keep
it coming.—Shawn Hobbs,
Vandalia, OH
One of the great publications in
the automotive world and the closest
I will come to owning a classic
car.—Richard Ramsey, North
Ridgeville, OH
Best car mag I've ever come
across.—Grant McConchie,
Portland, OR
I've re-upped for two years…
I couldn't resist the cool T-shirt.—
Anthony Damian, Hunington, NY
Still the best-written, most
informative automotive publication.—John
Rossland, New York,
NY
Herr Martin continues to be
the Pied Piper for all of us in the
car collecting hobby.— Robert J.
Demart, Reston, VA
Thanks one more time. Your
coverage remains excellent.—
Thom Pace, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Great writing, don't stop.—
John Bollman, Valdosta, GA
Oh what a joy it is to find SCM
in your mailbox on a cold, snowy
day (or any day, really).—Kevin
Cobley, Mount Vernon, WA
Bring back an anniversary art
cover issue. Do more barn find
features to keep up the hopes of
the disenfranchised lot of us.—Jim
Duncan, Beverly Hills, MI. We've
got what you're looking for from a
barn find in this month's American
Profile, p. 48.—KM
Best car magazine on the mar-
ket.—Ivan Richards, Tiburon, CA
Your Price Guide is price-
This Month's Mystery Photo
Response Deadline: February 25, 2009
Our Photo, Your Caption
Be the author of the most
accurate, creative, or provocative
response and receive a Sports Car
Market cap. Ties will be arbitrarily
and capriciously decided.
Fax your response to
503.253.2234; email: mysteryphoto
@sportscarmarket.com; snail mail:
Mystery, P.O. Box 4797, Portland,
OR 97208-4797. Please include
your name and contact information.
Send us your mystery photo. If
we use it, you'll also get an official
SCM cap. Email photos at 300 dpi
in JPEG format.
104
less.—David Strus, Kokomo, IN
My main concern is to not
miss a single issue.—Mike DiLeo,
Brookhaven, NY
Please do not let me miss an
issue or the Price Guide. Many
thanks.—Marco Palmer, Miami,
FL
Great car info and a lot of
chuckles along the way.—Walter
J. Stevens, San Diego, CA. You've
summed up our Mission Statement,
Walter.—KM
Pump up the 912. I just bought
one and love it. Build quality
is excellent, and the clubs are
great!—Shayne Shearer, San
Clemente, CA Okay, how about
this. 912s are sure to double in the
next ten years. Or we'll eat one
whole.—KM
And thanks to all of you for
your thoughtful comments and
your renewals.—Keith Martin
Sports Car Market

Carl Bomstead
eWatch
Correctly Inflated
Fisk, Marathon tire signs strong, 1911 Wisconsin plates illustrate value of
buying the best, Ferrari 246 GT Dino manuals intriguing
Thought
Carl's As financial storm clouds darken the skies, I can't help wonder how the pending doom and
gloom will affect the market for automotive trinkets. Will the value of vintage signs, early auto
race trophies, and other cool stuff plummet, providing an opportunity to score some stuff on the cheap?
Or will it all stay in collectors' display cabinets? Based on my wanderings through eBay and other recent
auctions, I'd have to say all is calm, but each new auction will tell us more.
In the meantime, here are a few cool items I found, but there are no real bargains in the bunch.
EBAY #370122964508—FERRARI
DINO 246 GT OWNER'S POUCH. Number
of Bids: 7. SOLD AT: $3,378.50. Date Sold:
12/05/2008. This is an original 1971-72 Ferrari
Dino 246 GT owner's pouch that included an
wner's manual, sales and service book, and
arranty book among other documents. It originated
from chassis 03084, which was sold by Modern
Classic Motors in Reno. It was stated that the condition was as-new
and it did not look like it spend any time in the glove box. Price seemed
aggressive, but how often do you find a complete set of documents? I
can't help wondering where chassis 03084 now resides, minus its books
and records.
EBAY #280293367423—INDIAN MOTOCYCLE OIL
CAN. Number of Bids: 30. SOLD AT: $1,802.50.
Date Sold: 12/16/2008. This one-gallon Indian
Motocycle (sic) oil can is in very nice condition
with only a few minor scrapes and bruises. The
graphics are bold and the colors vibrant. Oil cans
have been a bit soft of late, but the rare and unusual,
in good condition, still bring serious money. Price
paid here was in line with other recent sales.
EBAY #390013382994—
EBAY #230313023491—
GRAF CIGAR ADVERTISING
CARD. Number of Bids: 13.
SOLD AT: $332.76. Date Sold:
12/14/2008. This early die-cut
and embossed advertising card
features two Victorian ladies
riding in their early wood-bodied
automobile. It is, however, a bit of
a stretch to visualize the ladies of
the era smoking a big fat Graf stogie.
The card was dated Feb 23,
1892 and was most likely a stock
advertising piece that any number
of companies may have used,
printing their message along the
bottom. The piece is in amazing
condition, considering its age.
EBAY #330290169630—1925 “CHEEK TO CHEEK” AUTOMOTIVE HOOD
ORNAMENT. Number of Bids: 7. SOLD AT: $1,800. Date Sold: 12/07/2008. This mascot
was signed by Ruffino and stamped Cast in Paris/Made in France. It is very similar to an
unmarked mascot titled “The Dancers.” A few of these have been offered by Bonhams
over the past years and have sold for more than was paid here, so this was well bought. A
desirable mascot, but don't be confused by early dance contest trophies being offered as
hood ornaments.
EBAY #190273716980—1915 MARATHON TIRES TIN SIGN. Number of
Bids: Buy It Now. SOLD AT: $4,995. Date Sold: 12/16/2008. This lithographed tin
Marathon Tire sign is extremely desirable and seldom offered for sale. This example
was in good condition with some minor restoration. The graphics are fabulous and
it was dated at the bottom. These have sold for several thousand more than what wa
paid here, so no wonder it sold quickly.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Sports Car Market (ISSN #1527859X) is published monthly by Automotive Investor Media Group, 401 NE 19th Street, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. Periodicals postage
paid at Portland, OR, and at additional mailing offices.
Subscription rates are $58 for 12 monthly issues in the US, $78 Canada/Mexico, Europe $88, Asia/Africa/Middle East $98. Subscriptions are payable in advance in US currency.
Make checks to: Sports Car Market. Visa/MC accepted. For instant subscription, call 24-hours 800.289.2819, 503.261.0555; fax 503.253.2234; www.sportscarmarket.com.
114
FISK AIR FLIGHT TIRES
PORCELAIN SIGN. Number of
Bids: 10. SOLD AT: $8,100. Date
Sold: 12/09/2009. This early stone
dot lithography porcelain sign
most likely dates to the late '20s as
Lindbergh's historic flight linked
airplanes to numerous products.
This Fisk sign features the “Time
to Retire” boy with his candle.
The 15 x 20-inch sign has at least
nine colors and is rare as can be.
Expensive, but not out of line.
EBAY #290282132168—
1911 WISCONSIN LICENSE
PLATE. Number of Bids: 21.
SOLD AT: $2,280. Date Sold:
12/17/2008. Wisconsin first issued
license plates in 1905 for a
dollar fee. They were not dated as
they were valid indefinitely. The
state soon realized it was leaving
a bunch of money on the table
and changed its policy. The plates
were zinc with the numbers riveted
to the plate and this one was
in good condition. Rare as they
are, after this one another was
offered, with a lower number,
but in far worse shape. After 13
bids it sold for $1,457. If I collected
Wisconsin license plates
I'd rather have the better one for
a bit more money, so I would say
the price was about right.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
Sports Car Market
PO Box 4797, Portland, OR 97208
CPC IPM Sales Agreement No. 1296205
Sports Car Market

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